Our Antipodes: or, Residence and Rambles in The Australasian Colonies. With A Glimpse Of The Gold Fields.
By Lt Colonel Godfrey Charles Mundy
In Three Volumes -
Only Volumes 1 & 3 Present
Published by Richard Bentley: London 1852 2nd
Edition
"Our Antipodes: or, Residence and Rambles in the Australasian Colonies. With a Glimpse of the Gold Fields by Lieutenant Colonel Godfrey Charles Mundy is a vivid travel narrative and social commentary based on the author's experiences in Australia during the mid-19th century. First published in 1852, the book provides a detailed and often candid account of colonial life in New South Wales, Tasmania (then Van Diemen's Land), and other parts of the Australasian colonies. Mundy, a British Army officer and former military secretary to the Governor of New South Wales, offers observations on everything from convict life and Indigenous peoples to bushranging, landscape, and colonial society. His narrative is both descriptive and anecdotal, blending personal experiences with broader commentary on the challenges and peculiarities of colonial administration and settlement.
A notable section of the book covers Mundy's impressions of the Australian gold rush, which had just begun to transform the social and economic fabric of the colonies. He describes the fervour surrounding the discovery of gold and its disruptive impact on labour, class structures, and governance. While occasionally reflecting the imperial and racial attitudes of his time, Mundy's writing is rich in detail and often laced with humour and critical insight. Our Antipodes remains a valuable historical source, capturing a formative period in Australia's colonial history through the eyes of a well-connected and perceptive British observer."
Includes volumes 1 and 3 only of a 3 volume set. Bindings heavily worn, hinges split, outer spine damage etc. Covers are secure and there are no loose pages. Volume 1 includes 3 plates + frontis and Volume 3 has 7 plates + frontis. Outer hinges are split however covers are firm and secure. There are no loose pages. A couple of wobbly clusters. No inscriptions and pages are unmarked. Pages are clean with pleasant age toning, occasional light spotting and are very well presented. Both books cocked forward. All pages are present and the books are complete in 410 & 431 pages respectively. 2 desirable volumes in very good reading condition. Please study photos to further understand condition.
Size 23cm x 16cm x 2.5cm (x 2 volumes)
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Volume 1 has 410 Pages
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Volume 2 has 431 Pages
