Some early Australian bookmen

Abstract

The Australian book trade, as it is known among its practitioners, has a history almost as long as that of New South Wales. The first Australian book, New South Wales General and Standing Orders, is dated 1802; the first book of poetry, Barron Field{u2019}s anonymously issued First Fruits of Australian Poetry, appeared in 1819. This book does not tell the whole story of the trade; rather, it selects some of the outstanding figures among booksellers, book publishers, authors and bibliophiles to show how the trade developed during its formative years and the debts we owe to these significant and interesting pioneers. The book is extensively illustrated, with reproductions of rare books, portraits of outstanding bookmen, pictures of old Sydney and old Melbourne, and a rare poem by Henry Lawson. Beautifully designed and printed, in an edition limited to 1,000 copies, this book graces its subject and will grace the shelves of the discriminating book buyer. Show more