Non-fiction

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam – Trans Edward Fitzgerald

A Folio Society production from 1970. Their usual lavish production works well in this case – we are not always a fan.

Edward Fitzgerald had a couple of goes at translating The Rubaiyat – this is his first and best we think.

Tall octavo, unpaginated, 75 verses after introductions and a page of helpful notes at the end. Nicely, artistically, illustrated by Virgil Burnett. Decorative end paper, gilt and silvered ornate pattern over red cloth covered boards, gold paper covered custom slipcase.

A nice and attractive Rubaiyat that would make a super gift.

$40.00

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Martin Cash [Tasmanian Bushranger] – Autobiography

First published in 1870 by Walch, Hobart and here we have a seventh edition 1961 by the same publisher – itself maybe an Australian record – not sure.

Octavo, small format pictorial soft cover, 174 pages the odd useful illustration added from original period photographs.

The full title – Martin cash – the Bushranger of Van Diemen’s Land 1843-4 – A Personal Narrative of his Exploits in the Bush and His Experiences at Port Arthur and Norfolk Island.

Cash had an interesting life and despite his Bushranger activity – quietly admired.

$20.00

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Smugglers and Sailors – The Customs History of Australia 1788-1901 – David Day

A super fine copy of this substantial book that looks at the development of Australia through the Customs Service.

The author David Day born in Queensland and went to Melbourne University an later awarded a research Fellowship at Clare College Cambridge. At Clare he write three widely acclaimed works .. Menzies and Churchill at War; The Great Betrayal and Reluctant Nation … books that changed more than just the perspective. So who better to be appointed to write this work sponsored by the Government.

A quality production, Quarto, 528 pages, illustrated nicely throughout. Published in 1992.

Covers going on in NSW, Van Diemen’s Land, Port Phillip, Moreton Bay, WA, South Australia .. plenty of smuggling, fancy uniforms, temptation of vice, standard to be challenged and broken .. society in the day.

Customs a lot more interesting than you might first think!

$35.00

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The Last Ladies – Female Convicts on the Duchess of Northumberland, 1853 – Christine Woods

Scarce self published in 2004.

Octavo, perfect bound, 285 pages, fine condition.

Christine Woods’s convict great great great grandfather had arrived had arrived on the same ship ten years earlier. This sparked and interest in the ship and when she found out that it was the last ship to bring convict women to Hobart, three months before it all ceased, she was hooked on the history of the women onboard.

After year of intermittent research she finished this work .. well almost she admits … there are always those eluding facts. Notwithstanding that admission it’s a super piece on convict history and one that probably impacts on many Tasmanian families today.

Woods gets to the bottom of the ship of The Last Ladies..

$50.00

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[Tasmania] Bothwell Revisited – Shauna Ellis

Published by the Bothwell Historical society in 2001. A fine as new copy.

Octavo, soft cover, 279 pages, illustrated from period photographs. All you need to know about one of Tasmania’s most historic and intriguing towns. Home of Australia’s oldest gold course and some of its oldest buildings … gateway to the best rout fishing in the world and with a pace of life that leads to longevity – what more could you wish for ..

Bothwell a most relaxing place and the bushrangers have gone – well nearly!

$35.00

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Ordered to the Island – Irish Convicts & Van Diemen’s Land- John Williams

Published by Crossing Press, Sydney in 1994, effectively self published. Scarce and fine condition.

Octavo size, card covers, 226 pages, some illustrations, nicely composed work.

John William completed a Doctorate Thesis at the University of Tasmania in the early 1970’s largely around this broad subject. This book is the condensation and improved presentation of the facts and conclusions therein.

Could there be a better overall reference to provide perspective regarding the Irish Convict in Tasmania – doubt it.

The facts about the Irish taken away to far away .

$70.00

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The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam – Trans Edward Fitzgerald

Martin Cash [Tasmanian Bushranger] – Autobiography

Smugglers and Sailors – The Customs History of Australia 1788-1901 – David Day

The Last Ladies – Female Convicts on the Duchess of Northumberland, 1853 – Christine Woods

[Tasmania] Bothwell Revisited – Shauna Ellis

Ordered to the Island – Irish Convicts & Van Diemen’s Land- John Williams

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