Original Thesis – French Books in Early Australian Public and Private Collections – Patricia Gray – Monash 1981

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Original Thesis – French Books in Early Australian Public and Private Collections – Patricia Gray – Monash 1981

Short Description

An original typescript thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the degree of Master of Arts, Monash University, Melbourne March 1981.

179 pages, A4 typed one side, bound in blue cloth covered boards, gilt titles, author etc to spine. Nice solid binding, headbands etc. Very good condition.

Partial contribution but a monumental piece of world. Gray acknowledges Professor W Kirsop for his unstinting sharing of scholarship, suggestions and provision of materials. Francophile Wallace Kirsop is bibliographical royalty in Australia …Editor of the Australian Journal of French Studies for many years he expanded his interest in French literature to the history of publication, the book trade, collections, social impacts etc.

Patrcia Gray commences her work with a introduction providing perspective and connection of the main topic to the history of the French explorers and first settled French in Australia. Given the cost and time delay in ordering books from Europe the first major source of books was through auction. The first book auction in Australia was in 1805. Gray provides an analysis of early auctions from 1818-1856. Similarly Gray reviews Libraries in a similar manner for the period 1832-1874 … Circulating Libraries; South Australian Regional; Victorian Regional; Australian Subscription; Tasmanian Public Library and Reading Room; Parliamentary etc.

Throughout references are made to specific titles, authors etc and patterns develop regarding interest, interested parties etc … most enlightening at the detailed level. One comes away with a better understanding of the book trade and the nature of French interest, whether it be fiction, science, history, wine making etc., within Australia during the 19thC.

A unique in depth work about books in Australia in the 19thC.

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