"Paul de Serville's The Australian Club: Melbourne 1878-1998 presents the comprehensive 120-year history of one of Melbourne's notable private institutions. Founded in 1878 during the flourishing club culture of nineteenth-century Melbourne, the Australian Club both reflected and participated in the city's changing social, commercial and political life. De Serville traces its story chronologically from its foundation and early boom years through the 1890s depression, two World Wars, post-war recovery and the profound social changes of the later twentieth century.
More than simply an institutional record, the book examines the people, traditions, customs and personalities associated with the Club and the ways in which it adapted to changing economic and social circumstances. Particular attention is given to the imposing Club House in William Street, its development and preservation, and the role it played in the life of the membership. The narrative is supplemented by numerous historical photographs and illustrations, including fascinating early views of Melbourne and the Club House, making the volume an excellent visual record of both the institution and the changing city around it.
Published by The Australian Club itself in Melbourne in 1998, this is the First Edition, produced by Australian Scholarly Publishing and extending to over 300 pages including extensive notes and sources, a list of Club Presidents and index. It remains in its original unclipped illustrated dustjacket, featuring the grand interior staircase and mosaic floor of the Club House. A substantial and well-produced work of Melbourne social history, it will be of particular interest to collectors of Victorian local history, Melbourne architecture and institutions, as well as those interested in the social networks that helped shape the city from the late colonial period through to the end of the twentieth century."
Light scuffing to dustjacket. Pages clean and well presented with odd mark only. No inscriptions. An excellent copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
