An Historical And Statistical Account Of New South Wales: Including A Visit To The Gold Regions And A Description Of The Mines; With An Estimate Of The Probable Results Of The Great Discovery.
By John Dunmore Lang
In Two Volumes - This Being Volume Two Only
Published by Longman, Brown, Green And Longmans: London 1852 3rd Edition
"An Historical and Statistical Account of New South Wales by John Dunmore Lang, first published in 1834, is a foundational work offering one of the earliest comprehensive surveys of the British colony of New South Wales. Lang, a Presbyterian minister, politician, and reform advocate, provides a detailed account of the colony's development from its penal origins to its emergence as a growing settler society. The book includes insights into the geography, population, agriculture, economy, and governance of New South Wales, as well as critical commentary on the convict system and the potential for moral and economic progress through free immigration and religious instruction.
Lang's work is historically significant and largely reliable due to his firsthand experience and active role in colonial affairs. Drawing from official statistics, parliamentary reports, and personal observation, he presents both quantitative data and qualitative judgments on the colony's condition. While his writing reflects the moral and cultural biases of his time—particularly toward convicts and Indigenous Australians—his vision for a reformed, industrious, and spiritually uplifted society helped shape public debate and colonial policy in the mid-19th century. The book remains a vital early record of Australia's colonial history and social structure."
General wear and fading to covers and spine with some loss to top of outer spine as shown. Blank yellow endpapers stuck down. Carries a contemporary owners signature. Pages are clean with occasional light spotting only. All pages are present and the book is complete in 591 pages. Note that this is volume 2 only of a 2 volume set. A decent copy in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
Size 21cm x 14cm x 4cm - 591 Pages
