"The Tasmanian Almanack for 1826, compiled and printed by Andrew Bent in Hobart Town, is one of the earliest published records of daily life, governance, and society in colonial Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania). As both a practical reference and a historical document, the almanack provides a detailed snapshot of the colony in its formative years. It includes essential information such as government appointments, public holidays, legal procedures, postal routes, shipping schedules, and demographic data. It also offers insight into the structure and priorities of the colonial administration under Lieutenant-Governor George Arthur.
Beyond its official content, the almanack reflects the growing complexity of Tasmanian society, highlighting developments in agriculture, trade, religion, and education. Bent's work was significant not only for its content but also for its role in advancing freedom of the press in the colony—he was a pioneering printer who challenged government censorship. As such, the Tasmanian Almanack for 1826 stands as both a utilitarian publication and a milestone in early Australian publishing history, offering modern readers a window into the everyday workings and aspirations of a young colonial settlement."
