The Colonial Policy of Lord John Russell's Administration (Volume II)
By Earl Grey
Published by Richard Bentley: London 1853 1st Edition
"The Colonial Policy of Lord John Russell's Administration (Volume II) by Earl Grey, published in 1853, is a detailed defence and explanation of British colonial governance during Russell's tenure as Prime Minister, particularly from the perspective of Grey's own role as Secretary of State for the Colonies. The work offers a thorough exposition of policy decisions relating to the administration, self-governance, trade, land management, and the broader principles guiding Britain's imperial approach. It draws heavily on official correspondence, parliamentary papers, and administrative reports to justify reforms and rebut criticisms of government actions in various parts of the empire.
Australian colonies feature prominently in this volume, reflecting their growing importance within the British Empire during the early 1850s. Earl Grey discusses the establishment and extension of representative government in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania, framing these reforms as key steps in the evolution toward responsible self-rule. He also addresses issues such as land sales, immigration (particularly of free settlers versus convicts), and the management of Indigenous affairs, often from a paternalistic but reform-minded stance. The book offers an essential contemporary view of how imperial administrators viewed Australia's transformation from penal settlements into self-governing colonial societies poised for economic and political maturity.
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Both outer hingers are split and covers whilst attached, are fragile and just hanging on. Page binding is otherwise in excellent condition with no loose pages. No inscriptions. Pages are clean and very well presented no foxing. All pages are present and the book is complete in 414 pages. A nice copy in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
Size 22cm x 15cm x 2.75cm - 414 Pages
