Tasmania and Van Diemens Land

The Whitehead Letters – Tasmanian Society and Politics 1871-1882

A nice production by the Tasmanian Historical Research Association published under their banner in 1991. Limited to 1,000 copies.

Compiled by Launceston historian Francisca Vernon and edited by Michael Sprod of Blubber Press.

Octavo, 270 pages, illustrated with map, facsimile letter, portraits including from an early photograph of Whitehead. A fine copy.

John Whitehead operated out of a fine country property “Winburn” on the South Esk River near Lymington south-east of Launceston. He was a touch and involved with all the goings on of the period. And, an avid letter writer, many to his English friend Edwin Bowring who had worked on properties in Tasmania and therefore “’knew the ropes”. As was practice with gentry of the period Whitehead kept a copy letter book which made the whole exercise of compilation less tiresome.

One for those with an interest in the history of Tasmania filling in an important and turbulent period in its development.

The Whitehead Letters and important brick in the wall that is the history of Tasmania

$30.00

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Tasmania to the Letter – Mike Jenkinson

An unusual alphabetically arranged potpourri of all things about and relating to Tasmania [Over 700 items]. Starts with abalone and ends with Zinc and is much more interesting in between. The paragraph on irascible talented and sadly gone artist Geoff Dyer and his Archibald winning portrait of Richard Flanigan is a good example of its honed quality.

Softcover, perfect bound 317 pages, heavily illustrated throughout. An educational entertainment – a great way into Tasmania for the occasional visitor.

Published in 2006 by J.C.P.L. effectively self published.

A special edition from a unique work of historical significance – an Australian National Treasure.

$20.00

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Life in Old Van Diemens Land – Joan Goodrick

A lively account of the first fifty years of VDL. From the early Governors to butchers, bakers and candlestick makers (literally). The health hazards of the town creek might put public safety in perspective.

Published by Rigby in 1977, octavo, 220 pages, illustrated throughout. A very good copy

Succinct readable Tasmanian history

$25.00

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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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A History of Tasmania – Vol I – Van Diemen’s Land from the earliest Times to 1855 – Lloyd Robson

First edition 1983 published by the Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Thick royal octavo, 6312 pages, illustrated, end paper maps. A fine copy.

The early part of what would become a two volume work by Robson. The author a historian of distinction educated at UTAS, University of London and ANU when appointed into the Department of History Melbourne was awarded a Nuffield Foundation Scholarship to write this history in the UK.

Pointedly ahead of its time after the introductory “Reconnaissance” Robson titles the arrival of the first settlers and convicts … “Invasion”.

As you would expect a solid history which undoubtedly draws on West, Giblin etc but with the advantages of modern research pre-Goggle.

Solid comprehensive well written history of Tasmania to the end of Transportation and the beginning of self Government.

$60.00

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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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The Whitehead Letters – Tasmanian Society and Politics 1871-1882

Tasmania to the Letter – Mike Jenkinson

Life in Old Van Diemens Land – Joan Goodrick

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

A History of Tasmania – Vol I – Van Diemen’s Land from the earliest Times to 1855 – Lloyd Robson

Knopwood: A Biography – Geoffrey Stephens

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