Crime of the True Variety

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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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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[Tasmania] – Female Factory Female Convicts – Tony Rayner

The story of more than 13,000 women exiled from Britain to Van Diemen’s Land.

Quite a bit of the Female Factory still exists today and its worth a visit if you are in Hobart.

Octavo, perfect bound soft cover, 198 pages, illustrated, a very good to better copy. Published by Esperance Press in 2005.

Whilst the book concentrates very much on Hobart there is also a good chapter on the other Female Factories on the Mainland … Parramatta; Newcastle, Bathurst, Port Macquarie, Moreton Bay etc.

The Female Factory not your ordinary sort of workplace.

$30.00

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Joseph Mason – assigned Convict 1831-1837 – Edited by Kent and Townsend.

Published by the Melbourne University Press, a fine copy of the first edition 1996. Octavo, 182 pages with end paper maps. Gift inscription on half title otherwise clean as a whistle.

Joseph Mason was transported to New South Wales, one of many who protested against the mechanisation of agriculture … threshing machines.

The large part of this book is his Memoir of goings on a wonderful insight into the Colony … referencing encounters with aboriginal people and good descriptions of convict “assignments” around Sydney, Parramatta and Campbelltown and explorations along the Nepean River.

Good introductory chapters with contributions from David Kent as well as the industrious editors.

One of the more thorough and thoughtful convict accounts

$20.00

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A Matter of Speculation [Financial Scandel in 1815] – The Case Against Lord Cochrane – Henry Cecil – First edition 1965

It’s the year before Waterloo, 1815 and a fine plot is put into effect to manipulate the London Financial Market – a false report is made in grand style that Napoleon has been defeated … indeed dismembered. The idea is to cause a run on the stocks taking quick and sizeable profits.

Lord Cochrane, yet to carry out his boldest endeavours, fighting the Spanish and Portuguese in South America, makes a handsome profit buying and selling large holdings before settlement is required at the Broker. It’s all rather complicated … but is Cochrane personally involved in all the shenanigans?

The book is very cleverly written, presenting the background, evidence from the Courts, without revealing the outcome. We will not either.

Published by Hutchinson, London in 1965. Octavo, 208 pages, ownership signature on pastedown, otherwise a fine copy.

Cochrane one smart cookie but was he guilty?

$25.00

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Gold Escort [The Victorian Gold Fields to Adelaide] – L. J. Blake.

First edition published by The Hawthorn Press, Melbourne in 1971. Large octavo, 228 pages, illustrated with good end paper maps. Dust jacket a little rubbed otherwise a very good copy.

The Gold discoveries in Victoria in the 1850’s caused a massive shortage of labour in South Australia with considerable economic effect. Alexander Tolmer who was the South Australian police Commissioner cam up with the idea of providing an armed escort service to bring gold back to Adelaide … it worked. A super story .. Tolmer a quick tempered man made many enemies due to the success of this initiative.

Money to made in gold … the moving of it

$30.00

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Knopwood: A Biography – Geoffrey Stephens

Martin Cash [Tasmanian Bushranger] – Autobiography

[Tasmania] – Female Factory Female Convicts – Tony Rayner

Joseph Mason – assigned Convict 1831-1837 – Edited by Kent and Townsend.

A Matter of Speculation [Financial Scandel in 1815] – The Case Against Lord Cochrane – Henry Cecil – First edition 1965

Gold Escort [The Victorian Gold Fields to Adelaide] – L. J. Blake.

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