Australia: Historical, Descriptive And Statistic; With An Account Of A Four Years Residence In That Colony; Notes Of A Voyage Around The World, Australian Poems etc
By Richard Howitt
Published by Longman, Brown, Green And Longmans: London 1845 1st
Edition
"Australia: Historical, Descriptive, and Statistic by Richard Howitt, published in 1845, offers a multifaceted account of early colonial Australia through the lens of the author's four-year residence in the Port Phillip District (now Victoria). The work combines travel narratives, ethnographic observations, and poetic reflections, providing readers with detailed descriptions of the landscape, settler life, and interactions with Indigenous communities. Notably, Howitt includes essays such as "
The Aborigines of Port Phillip
," which delve into the impact of European settlement on Indigenous populations, discussing aspects like rituals, creation myths, subsistence methods, and the effects of colonial administration.
Beyond ethnographic insights, Howitt's book encompasses notes from his voyage around the world and a collection of Australian poems, enriching the narrative with cultural and personal dimensions. His observations provide valuable perspectives on the social and political climate of the time, including commentary on colonial governance and the dynamics between settlers and Indigenous peoples. Through its blend of descriptive prose and reflective poetry, the book serves as a significant historical document, capturing the complexities of early Australian colonial life and its enduring implications."
Book was tastefully rebound long ago retaining original cover skins and partial outer spine as shown. As a result, the binding is in good shapre with no loose pages. Carries an Ex Libris bookplate of the Wilson Family. Pages are clean with pleasant age toning, occasional light staining and are very well presented. All pages are present and the book is complete in 362 pages. A nice copy in good to very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
Size 18cm x 12cm x 3cm - 362 Pages
