Biography/ autobiography

Banditti Beware – Bushranging with Bardy in Old Van Diemen’s Land – Bob Minchin.

Self published in 2000. Softcover, perfect bound, 100 pages, illustrated. A fine copy.

Convict Matthew Brady was banished to Van Diemen’s Land but it was not long after William Sorrell declared, in June 1824, the security system ‘Nearly Perfect” that Brady and a bunch of renegades escaped from Macquarie Harbour. Between then and the eventual hanging of Matthew Brady in May of 1826 the gang that Brady was soon to lead caused Mayhem throughout Van Diemen’s Land.

Great references to the locations, building, pubs that the gang frequented … would make for a good historical tour.

Minchin and the works on Mattheew Brady Bushranger Royalty.

$30.00

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Knopwood: A Biography – Geoffrey Stephens

Self published in 1990 by Geoffrey Stephens the Rector of the Anglican Church Moonah, Tasmania.

Large format softcover, perfect bound, 226 pages, illustrated throughout ending with references, index etc and “Knopwoodiana” an interesting list of Knopwood relics and where they are housed .. e.g. the Museum has not just his sermons and bible but his Magistrates wig and wig block .. his riding cap and his fishing creole.

Very good condition albeit top corner creased. Clean as a whistle inside

The author a holder of several degrees in history and theology has left no stone unturned in writing this chronological biography of maybe Tasmania’s best known early identity. Arriving on the very first settlement ship and recording for many years his and others activities all the way through to the Franklins.

Knopwood a good all round account of the well liked often controversial Bobby Knopwood.

$30.00

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Bronze Plaque Swedish Polar Explorer Otto Nordenskiöld by Austrian Artist Hugo Taglang – 1905

Produced to commemorate the Antarctic achievements of Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskiöld (1869-1928) who led a Heroic Era expedition to the Antarctic in 1901-1904. A fine image of the man decked out in heavy polar furs.

Nordenskiold arrived in the Antarctic in 1901 and wintered on Snow Hill Island. Unfortunately, their ship the ‘Antarctica” got trapped in ice and sank in 1903. His back up Larsen eventually met up with the stranded team but was unable to get them away. They were eventually rescued by the Uruguayan Navy. Despite all this their visit was hailed a scientific success as they explored and researched much of Graham Land.

Nordenskiöld was made Professor of Geography at Gothenburg University in 1905 the same year this commemorative was struck. He later went on to explore northern Greenland and in the 1920’s certain parts of South America. He was killed by a bus in Gothenburg crossing the road.

80mm by 57mm weighing 170gm. The artist medallist Hugo Taglang (1874-1944) was born in Vienna. An example of this item is shown in the National Maritime Museum Collection, London ID MEC 2149.

Otto Nordenskiöld an unusual Antarctic commemorative
.

$180.00

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The Usefulness of John West – Dissent and Differences in the Australian Colonies – Patricia Ratcliff.

We think not the most inspiring title for a biography of the great man … and a well researched and voluminous one too.

Published by the Albernian Press, Launceston in 2003. Large royal octavo, 574 pages, illustrated a very good production and a fine copy.

The Reverend John Smith arrived with his wife Narcissa and five children on the barque “Emu” in December 1838. He was contracted to provide pastoral care through the Congregational Church in Brisbane Street, Hobart, allowing the then Minister Miller to take leave in Europe to improve his health. Miller changed his mind and West found himself, eventually, in Launceston.

His influence grew, over time he was to become a major mover in the anti-transportation league and a citizen of true concern about the treatment of the aboriginals. He penned the first great History of Tasmania – a book still cherished today by scholars of Tasmanian History. His obvious love for his family and his “flock” shines through as well as his desire to grow the best marrows in the land.

John West more than a Historian – a thorough account

$60.00

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Martin Cash [Tasmanian Bushranger] – Autobiography

First published in 1870 by Walch, Hobart and here we have a seventh edition 1961 by the same publisher – itself maybe an Australian record – not sure.

Octavo, small format pictorial soft cover, 174 pages the odd useful illustration added from original period photographs.

The full title – Martin cash – the Bushranger of Van Diemen’s Land 1843-4 – A Personal Narrative of his Exploits in the Bush and His Experiences at Port Arthur and Norfolk Island.

Cash had an interesting life and despite his Bushranger activity – quietly admired.

$20.00

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A King Island Settler’s Tale – Jim Paterson – Self published

Scarce self published, Hobart 2001.

Soft cover, perfect bound, octavo size, 302 pages, illustrated from period photographs, fine condition.

Jim Patterson was born in 1992 in Sydney .. he moved around Australia, married had jobs of sheep stations, woolscour sorter, driver … WWII came long and afterwards in the 1950’s was awarded a War Service Land Settlement block on King Island. This enthralling account is all about the trials and tribulations associated with that life. Politic gets in the way – well it does.

This is a life in a book and the chapters headings give a clue … such as “they burnt the bloody pub down” and “disaster after disaster” … “a boat with one oar” .. the epilogue is more uplifting and it has a nice poem. Don’t be put off – this is a unique account and Jim comes out with a positive conclusion.

King Islands Post War Settler tells the Truth .

$60.00

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Banditti Beware – Bushranging with Bardy in Old Van Diemen’s Land – Bob Minchin.

Knopwood: A Biography – Geoffrey Stephens

Bronze Plaque Swedish Polar Explorer Otto Nordenskiöld by Austrian Artist Hugo Taglang – 1905

The Usefulness of John West – Dissent and Differences in the Australian Colonies – Patricia Ratcliff.

Martin Cash [Tasmanian Bushranger] – Autobiography

A King Island Settler’s Tale – Jim Paterson – Self published

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