Biography/ autobiography

The Contented Botanist – Sophie Ducker

Published in 1988 by Melbourne University at the Miegunyah Press and produced to their usual exceptional standard. A fine copy in a fine dust jacket.

Unusual and important work. William Harvey (1811-1886) was one of the great Victorian Botanist. He travelled the Pacific and produced and book on Australian flora Phycologia Australica. He knew Hooker and Professor Asa Gray and corresponded with them. His visits to Australia included meeting the convicts at Port Arthur. This work based on his letters and paper unearthed at the Harvard University herbarium is brilliantly put together by the exceptional Sophie Ducker.

Important records found and presented

$40.00

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Sir John French – The Little Field Marshall – Richard Holmes

Published by Jonathan cape, London. A fine copy in a like dust jacket. Almost as new.

This 1981 first edition was the first proper biography on French. Heavily criticised by many for his failures during WWI French has supporters including Churchill and Lloyd George.

This book written with access to his private papers reveals his despair at the mounting casualties and a rather ambitious private life full of mistress and a secret second marriage.

French in WWI and much more

$40.00

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Signed Letter – Elspeth Huxley -1982 (References Kenya)

Type written and signed clearly by author and African legend Elspeth Huxley. Embossed address.

To Crosby … returning a signed book … and responding to the recipient’s suggestion of starting a business selling signed book. Elspeth will oblige and is prepared to sign half a dozen but suggests that the postage may be prohibitive. She closes with reference to Kenya and a recent visit “It has changed of course, but where has not?” and mentions the TV serial “I think the producers did an excellent job in re-creating the atmosphere etc of 1913/14, insofar as they could”.

The TV serial of course is the Flam Trees of Thika along with Mottled Lizard her most lyrical work. She was five years old in 1912 when her parents arrived at Thika. Her husband was the grandson of the great Thomas Huxley. She published many works and fell out with Harold Macmillan who refused to publish her description of female mutilation of the worst type.

Elspeth Huxley highly respected and knew Africa. Boldly Signed.

We also have a nice copy of the “Flame Trees ….

$60.00

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Governor Phillip in Retirment – Sir Frederick Chapman – Ed George Mackaness – Limited to 200 Copies and Boldly Signed by Mackaness

Original narrative by Sir Frederick Chapman. Here presented edited with an introduction, notes and commentary by noted historian George Mackaness. Published in 1962 this soft covered collectable was limited issue of only 200 copies all signed and numbered by Mackaness. This copy being number 11 nicely signed and complete as original.

Sir Frederick Chapman’s family knew Phillip in his later years – Mackaness uncovered previously unpublished material which adds to his usual well researched offering.

Governor Phillip More of his Illustrious Life

$40.00

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Lives of Twelve Good Men John Burgon – Relfe Brothers Binding– 1891

Published by Murray, London 1891. A second edition now including portraits of each of the illustrious subjects. Bound by Relfe Brother as a prize binding in full rich red polished calf with, five raised bands to spine with separate black leather title label. Gilt work to spine and board edges and gilt shield of Malvern College to front. Marbles end papers continuing to all page edges. A bruise to the spine top that can be forgiven for such a delightful copy – internally fine. A substantial book – 1.1kgs.

The author was the Anglican Dean of Chichester and this work is regarded as a superb biographical record of these influential 19th Century men …..1. Martin Joseph Routh: the learned divine — 2. Hugh James Rose: the restorer of the old paths — 3. Charles Marriott: the man of saintly life — 4. Edward Hawkins: the great provost — 5. Samuel Wilberforce: the remodeller of the episcopate — 6. Richard Lynch Cotton: the humble Christian — 7. Richard Greswell: the faithful steward — 8. Henry Octavius Coxe: the large- hearted librarian — 9. Henry Longueville Mansel: the Christian philosopher — 10. William Jacobson: the single-minded bishop — 11. Charles Page Eden: the earnest parish priest — 12. Charles Longuet Higgins: the good layman — Appendices: A. Dr. Routh’s library; B. Dr. Routh’s Latin inscriptions; C. The beginning of American episcopacy; D. Authorship of the `Tracts for the times.’; E. Irreligious character of the Oxford University Commission of 1877-81. The case of Magdalen College; F. The colleges of Oxford, essentially ecclesiastical foundations; G. The colleges of Oxford intended for the encouragement of learning in the sons of poor parents; H. Mr. Reginald Wilberforce as a biographer.

$70.00

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The Tactless Philosopher – Johann Reinhold Forster 1729-1798 – Michael Hoare

Johann Reinhold Forster was a German born philosopher who sailed with Captain James Cook on his second Voyage of discovery. A complex and remarkable man – a detailed and worthy account.

Scarce Cook item

$40.00

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The Contented Botanist – Sophie Ducker

Sir John French – The Little Field Marshall – Richard Holmes

Signed Letter – Elspeth Huxley -1982 (References Kenya)

Governor Phillip in Retirment – Sir Frederick Chapman – Ed George Mackaness – Limited to 200 Copies and Boldly Signed by Mackaness

Lives of Twelve Good Men John Burgon – Relfe Brothers Binding– 1891

The Tactless Philosopher – Johann Reinhold Forster 1729-1798 – Michael Hoare

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