The Honourable James Balfour M.L.C. A Memoir
By The Rev. Andrew Harper
With Portraits
Published by Critchley Parker Pty Ltd: Australia 1918 1st Edition
Illustrated With Original Cloth Bindings
"The Rev. Andrew Harper's The Honourable James Balfour M.L.C. - A Memoir is an important biographical account of one of colonial Victoria's most influential businessmen, parliamentarians and Presbyterian laymen. Published in Australia by Critchley Parker Pty Ltd in 1918, five years after Balfour's death, the work draws extensively upon the author's personal recollections and upon Balfour's own correspondence. Rather than attempting a purely political biography, Harper sought to portray the character, principles and religious convictions that guided Balfour throughout more than sixty years of public and commercial life in Victoria.
Born in Scotland in 1830, James Balfour arrived in Melbourne during the early years of settlement and became closely associated with the Henty family and the commercial development of Victoria. His career encompassed banking, mercantile enterprises, education and politics, including lengthy service in both the Victorian Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council. He was a prominent member of Melbourne society, a champion of Christian education, and a leading figure within the Presbyterian Church. Harper, himself a distinguished educator and Principal of St Andrew's College, Sydney, had enjoyed nearly half a century of friendship with Balfour, giving the memoir a uniquely intimate and authoritative perspective.
Illustrated with numerous portrait plates and photographs, this 1918 first edition provides valuable insights into nineteenth-century Victorian business, politics, religion and social life. Preserved in its original cloth bindings as issued, the volume remains an attractive and increasingly uncommon piece of Australian biographical literature. It will appeal to collectors of Australiana, Victorian history, Presbyterian history and the lives of prominent colonial figures, while also serving as an important record of one of the men who helped shape early Melbourne and the colony of Victoria."
Light wear to covers and spine with minor fading as shown. No inscriptions. Pages clean and well presented. An excellent 1st edition copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
Size 22cm x 15cm x 3cm - 334 Pages
