An Historical And Statistical Account Of New South Wales: Including A Visit To The Gold Regions And A Description Of The Mines With An Estimate Of The Probable Results Of The Great Discovery.
By John Dunmore Lang
Third Edition Bringing Down The History Of The Colony To The First Of July 1852
Published by Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans: London 1852
Complete 2 Volume Set With Large Foldout Map Of New South Wales & Victoria
"This substantial two-volume work by John Dunmore Lang stands as one of the most important contemporary accounts of colonial New South Wales produced during the mid-nineteenth century. Lang—clergyman, politician, and influential public intellectual—combines narrative history with detailed statistical analysis to chart the development of the colony from its foundations through to 1 July 1852, a period marked by rapid transformation and social upheaval. Written at the height of the Australian gold rush, the book captures a colony on the cusp of dramatic economic and demographic change, viewed through the lens of an engaged and often opinionated observer deeply involved in public life.
A particularly significant feature of this third edition is Lang's extended treatment of the gold discoveries, including first-hand observations from a visit to the gold regions and a careful examination of mining activity, infrastructure, and anticipated outcomes. His discussion blends optimism with caution, addressing the broader implications of gold for settlement patterns, labour, governance, and moral life in the colony. The inclusion of a large fold-out map of New South Wales and Victoria further enhances the work's value, providing a contemporary cartographic snapshot of colonial boundaries, towns, rivers, and emerging transport routes during a pivotal moment in Australian history.
Issued in London by Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans in 1852, this complete two-volume set represents an authoritative and highly desirable piece of early Australian historiography. It will strongly appeal to collectors of nineteenth-century Australiana, scholars of colonial and gold-rush history, and readers interested in the intersection of politics, religion, and economic development in early Australia."
Light wear to covers and spine as shown. Binding is strong, covers are firm and structural integrity of book is very good with no loose pages. Large foldout map present with tear as shown. Pages are clean with pleasant age toning only. Many pages uncut. A beautiful copy of an important and highly desirable 2 volume set in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
