1888 Australian Poets 1788 - 1888 Antique Australian Poetry Fiction Book 1st Ed

Introduced by Patchett Martin, the volume was conceived partly in response to earlier, more narrowly focused anthologies, aiming instead to preserve what Sladen considered the finest poetic work produced in Australasia regardless of subject matter. Published simultaneously in London and Sydney, this first edition stands as an important documentary record of colonial literary ambition and self-definition, bridging British literary traditions with emerging Australian and New Zealand voices. Today it remains a foundational reference for understanding the development of Australasian poetry and literary culture in the colonial era, and would appeal especially to collectors of early Australian literature, scholars of colonial history, and readers interested in the origins of national literary identity."