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Mary Reibey - Molly Incognita: Emancipist Extraordinaire by Nance Irvine is a richly researched and engaging biography of one of Australia's most remarkable early colonial figures. Beginning with her dramatic youth as Molly Haydock, the narrative recounts her audacious escape from England in disguise as a boy, her conviction and transportation, and her arrival in New South Wales in 1792. Irvine vividly reconstructs the hazards and uncertainties of this formative period, drawing on archival records to illuminate both the personal courage and sheer resilience required to survive such circumstances.
The biography then follows Mary Reibey's transformation from convict to respected merchant and matriarch in colonial Sydney, charting her marriage, family life, and eventual rise as a successful businesswoman. Particularly compelling is Irvine's exploration of Reibey's ability to navigate and ultimately transcend the stigma of her convict past, building a reputation for integrity and enterprise in a society still deeply marked by class and origin. The work balances narrative storytelling with careful historical detail, offering insight into the economic and social fabric of early New South Wales.
Published in 1982 by the Library of Australian History, this first edition is illustrated and supported by documentary material, including references, appendices, and period imagery that enhance its scholarly value. The presentation in original dustjacket adds to its collectability, while the subject matter—an extraordinary woman who rose from adversity to prominence—ensures enduring appeal. It would suit collectors of Australian history, readers interested in colonial biographies, and those drawn to stories of resilience, reinvention, and early Sydney enterprise.
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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.
