c1890 Moondyne by John Boyle O'Reilly Antique Australian Fiction Book 1st Ed media thumbnails
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c1890 Moondyne by John Boyle O'Reilly Antique Australian Fiction Book 1st Ed

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c1890 Moondyne by John Boyle O'Reilly Antique Australian Fiction Book 1st Ed

Moondyne - A Story From The Under-World
By John Boyle O'Reilly
Published by George Routledge And Sons Ltd: London c1890 1st Edition (undated)
Rare 1st Edition Australian Convict & Gold Fiction

"Moondyne: A Story from the Under-World by John Boyle O'Reilly is a dramatic and romanticised tale inspired by the life of the famous Western Australian bushranger and convict escapee Joseph Bolitho Johns, widely known as "Moondyne Joe." First published in the late nineteenth century and issued here in an early Routledge edition, the novel draws on the harsh realities of the Australian convict system and the turbulent frontier world of colonial Western Australia. O'Reilly, himself a transported Irish political prisoner who later escaped from Australia, brings an unusual authenticity to the story through his own experiences of the penal colonies.

The narrative follows the fortunes of the outlaw Moondyne through a series of adventures that weave together bushranging exploits, prison life, daring escapes, and the moral struggles of a man shaped by the brutal justice system of the era. Set against the landscapes of Western Australia during the gold rush period, the story moves between convict road parties, remote settlements, and the growing colonial towns, exploring themes of injustice, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit. O'Reilly's storytelling blends historical inspiration with fictional drama, creating one of the earliest popular literary portrayals of Australian convict life.

This rare early edition, published by George Routledge and Sons Ltd of London circa 1890, represents an important piece of colonial-era literature connected with both Australian history and Irish nationalist writing. The work remains notable for its vivid depiction of the convict system and frontier society, and for its association with one of Australia's most legendary outlaw figures. It will appeal strongly to collectors of Australian colonial fiction, bushranger literature, convict history, and nineteenth-century adventure narratives."

Scarce title. General wear, fading and rub through to covers and spine as shown. Inscriptions as shown. Some light foxing present. Complete in 320 pages this is a decent copy of a rare Australian fiction book in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.

Size 19.5cm x 14cm x 3cm - 320 Pages

PRODUCT DETAILS


Condition: Good
Binding: Cloth
Special Attributes: ["1st Edition", "Original Cloth Bindings", "Frontis"]
Region: Australia, Oceania
Subject: Literature & Fiction
Original/Facsimile: Original
Seller Notes: Scarce title. General wear, fading and rub through to covers and spine as shown. Inscriptions as shown. Some light foxing present. Complete in 320 pages this is a decent copy of a rare Australian fiction book in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
Language: English
Author: John Boyle O'Reilly
Publisher: George Routledge And Sons Ltd: London
Year Printed: 1890
Sub-subject: Australian Fiction