Australiana

William Buelow Gould – Convict Artist of Van Diemen’s Land – Garry Darby

Published in 1980 by Copperfield as part of the Art Library.

Large quarto, 136 pages, illustrated not only the plates of artwork, which are magnificent but also in the lengthy introduction about the artist and his work. A fine copy.

William Gould (1803-1853) arrived in Hobart in 1827. Whilst he is known to have been at time a drunken and rebellious convict his work in totality describes a complex individual who undoubtedly had a love for nature.

This is the first effective catalogue of the known works of Gould. Unusual for the period and Australia principally a still life artist (how can you not admire the cat with the fish that grace the jacket) but also luminous landscapes and characterful portraits of Aboriginal people. The biographical details comprise the first eighty pages.

William Gould now a much admired and more understood convict artist.

$60.00

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The Whitehead Letters – Tasmanian Society and Politics 1871-1882

A nice production by the Tasmanian Historical Research Association published under their banner in 1991. Limited to 1,000 copies.

Compiled by Launceston historian Francisca Vernon and edited by Michael Sprod of Blubber Press.

Octavo, 270 pages, illustrated with map, facsimile letter, portraits including from an early photograph of Whitehead. A fine copy.

John Whitehead operated out of a fine country property “Winburn” on the South Esk River near Lymington south-east of Launceston. He was a touch and involved with all the goings on of the period. And, an avid letter writer, many to his English friend Edwin Bowring who had worked on properties in Tasmania and therefore “’knew the ropes”. As was practice with gentry of the period Whitehead kept a copy letter book which made the whole exercise of compilation less tiresome.

One for those with an interest in the history of Tasmania filling in an important and turbulent period in its development.

The Whitehead Letters and important brick in the wall that is the history of Tasmania

$30.00

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Life in Old Van Diemens Land – Joan Goodrick

A lively account of the first fifty years of VDL. From the early Governors to butchers, bakers and candlestick makers (literally). The health hazards of the town creek might put public safety in perspective.

Published by Rigby in 1977, octavo, 220 pages, illustrated throughout. A very good copy

Succinct readable Tasmanian history

$25.00

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A History of Tasmania – Vol I – Van Diemen’s Land from the earliest Times to 1855 – Lloyd Robson

First edition 1983 published by the Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Thick royal octavo, 6312 pages, illustrated, end paper maps. A fine copy.

The early part of what would become a two volume work by Robson. The author a historian of distinction educated at UTAS, University of London and ANU when appointed into the Department of History Melbourne was awarded a Nuffield Foundation Scholarship to write this history in the UK.

Pointedly ahead of its time after the introductory “Reconnaissance” Robson titles the arrival of the first settlers and convicts … “Invasion”.

As you would expect a solid history which undoubtedly draws on West, Giblin etc but with the advantages of modern research pre-Goggle.

Solid comprehensive well written history of Tasmania to the end of Transportation and the beginning of self Government.

$60.00

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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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A Record of Tasmanian Nomenclature with Dates and Origins – J Moore-Robinson

Extremely scarce item> we have not seen any original copies available .. and this one in fine condition.

A pretty early place-name book … that is mainly European place-names. At a time when the consideration of original aboriginal names for places is foremost in mind this is a worthwhile counterpoint. We are not sure which work has most places covered … a confluence of both would be worthwhile … we don’t mean reading the obvious .. more the less obvious.

Published at the Mercury Press in 1911.
An unusually nice looking item. Thick like sugar paper covers, 106 pages, demi octavo, perfect bound, super condition for such a potentially fragile item over 110 year old

Small scarce and in perfect condition.

$90.00

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William Buelow Gould – Convict Artist of Van Diemen’s Land – Garry Darby

The Whitehead Letters – Tasmanian Society and Politics 1871-1882

Life in Old Van Diemens Land – Joan Goodrick

A History of Tasmania – Vol I – Van Diemen’s Land from the earliest Times to 1855 – Lloyd Robson

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

A Record of Tasmanian Nomenclature with Dates and Origins – J Moore-Robinson

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