The Development Of Australian Literature
By Henry Gyles Turner and Alexander Sutherland
Published by George Robertson & Co: Melbourne 1898 1st Edition
Includes All 6 Illustration Plates As Called For
"The Development Of Australian Literature by Henry Gyles Turner and Alexander Sutherland is one of the earliest substantial attempts to document and critically examine the growth of Australia's national literary identity. Published in Melbourne in 1898, this important First Edition surveys the emergence of Australian poetry, fiction and journalism during the colonial era, tracing how writers gradually moved away from British literary traditions to develop a distinctly Australian voice. Appearing at a pivotal moment just before Federation, the work reflects growing cultural confidence within the Australian colonies and stands today as a landmark contribution to Australian literary history.
Turner and Sutherland discuss many of the foundational figures of nineteenth-century Australian writing, including poets, novelists and essayists whose works helped shape perceptions of the Australian landscape, bush life and colonial society. The book offers both biographical sketches and literary criticism, making it an invaluable contemporary record of how Australian literature was viewed at the close of the nineteenth century. The inclusion of portrait illustration plates further enhances the historical importance of the volume, providing visual representations of significant literary personalities from the era.
Today, The Development Of Australian Literature is regarded as a highly desirable and historically significant work for collectors of Australiana, literary history and early Australian publishing. First editions published by George Robertson & Co are increasingly difficult to locate, particularly examples retaining all six illustration plates as called for. Combining scholarly importance with strong colonial Australian interest, the book remains an essential reference work documenting the formative years of Australia's literary culture."
Light wear to the covers and spine. Ex Libris bookplate as shown. All illustrations present as called for. Pages clean and well presented. An excellent copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
Size 19.5cm x 14cm x 3cm - 343 Pages
