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Caroline Chisholm by Margaret Kiddle is a landmark Australian biography, presenting the first full and deeply researched account of one of the nation's most influential social reformers. Drawing on extensive archival sources, Kiddle reconstructs Chisholm's life from her early years in England through to her transformative work in colonial Australia, where she became a tireless advocate for immigrants—particularly women and families—arriving in often harsh and uncertain conditions. The narrative situates Chisholm not only as an individual of remarkable determination but as a central figure in the shaping of early Australian society.
Kiddle explores in detail Chisholm's pioneering efforts to improve the welfare of immigrants, including the establishment of the Female Immigrants' Home, her campaigns for safer and more humane conditions aboard migrant ships, and her practical assistance in settling new arrivals into employment and stable lives. Her work is shown against the broader backdrop of 19th-century social reform, economic development, and colonial expansion, revealing both the scale of the challenges she faced and the quiet authority with which she overcame them. The biography also offers a nuanced portrait of Chisholm's character—her resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service, even in the face of financial hardship and limited recognition.
Published by Melbourne University Press in 1957, this second edition reflects continued scholarship and includes illustrations drawn from contemporary engravings, enhancing its historical depth. Widely regarded as a cornerstone of Australian biographical writing, the work remains both an authoritative study and an engaging narrative of a woman whose legacy helped shape the nation's social fabric. It would appeal to collectors of Australian history, readers of colonial biography, and those interested in pioneering women and the development of immigration and social reform in Australia.
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Dustjacket protected with clear mylar sleeve. Pages very clean and well presented. No inscriptions. An excellent copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
