Curiosities

First History of The Australian Club Melbourne – Reprinted in its Centenary Year, 1978. – Adrian Akhurst

The original history penned by distinguished member Adrian Akhurst was produced in 1943 and covered the period from formation in 1878 to 1932. Subsequently, F.F. Knight produced the “extension” from 1932 to 1965. At the Centenary it was decided to reprint the first work which was scarce and few existing members had a copy … here it is. The particular interest in this early period is the building of the magnificent premises from which the esteemed Club continues to operate.

Octavo, 67 pages, bound nicely in blue cloth covered boards, gilt titles front and spine. Illustrated with plans, photographs and facsimiles programs of early events. A really nice clean robust copy.

Australia’s poshest Club the history of its early years.

$25.00

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

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.

$130.00

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Original 17th Century Map of Ireland by Mallet – Published Paris 1683

A striking hand coloured original copper engraved miniature map “Royaume d’Irlande” the Kingdom of Ireland, by Allain Mallet published in Paris in 1683 as part of his great work on “the Universe”. One of the most sought after Mallet maps in fine condition.

Paper size 22cm by 14cm; map surrounds 16cm by 12cm. Good condition … would frame nicely.

Allain Manesson Mallet (1630-1706) was a French cartographer and engineer. He started his career as a soldier in the army of Louis XIV and became a Sergeant Major and an Inspector of Fortifications a role which afforded him the resources required to produce this treasure.

Price $160.00 unframed.

The most beautiful map of the Emerald Isle … every Irishman should have one …

$160.00

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Platypus by Lesueur from Baudin Voyage – c1820

An original hand coloured engraving of Platypus after a drawing by Charles-Alexandre Lesueur from the voyage of Nicolas Baudin. Depicting a female and male platypus and another male head appearing from the rushes to the right and the “tail up” of a diving female showing the monotremate area under the tail with the opening to the reproductive organs.

printed on wove paper 20cm by 13cm … small, charming historic engraving using a stipple engraving technique. Good condition.

Platypus delight from the Baudin expedition

$180.00

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A Gun for Sale – Graham Green – Special Edition 1944

One for the collector or Greene lover. Scarce soft cover published by the Melbourne Truth in 1944. 128 pages. Apart from the insect damage along the leading edge of the cover, which goes to the title page, the book is in very good condition given its generally fragile nature.

Greene enjoys melodrama and there is plenty in “A Gun for Sale” – a strange one that makes it all that more enjoyable.

Greene with Guns and a special scarce issue Melbourne Truth

$35.00

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SO (Ten Romances) – John Crombie and The Kickshaws Private Press – Limited to 175 copies – Unusual Permutational Book.

A first and only limited edition by the talented writer and book designer John Crombie. Published by his Kickshaws Press in Paris in 1988.

This is a unique example of a what can be referred to as a permutational book. The book is bound on the left hand edge but the text runs like a maze left to right continuously around the book until each of ten romances is complete. At the end of each section the reader is presented with options on new lines as to how to proceed and must make a choice. There are also vertical groups of connecting words that rhyme or free-associate with the ones above and below. The text is worthy, funny and at times a little naughty. Once you have completed the ”maze” the stories can be read in a different order [we challenge you to remember which way you went the first time] giving them a whole new meaning.

Unpaginated, 20cm by 25cm, the book narrative is printed and bound separately from the fuchsia three-fold heavy paper wrap around, the latter containing an introduction that describes in more words than ours the recommended method of reading

A really super item … challenging, enlightening and entertaining. Would make a special gift.

Crombie’s “SO” a most unusual book from the Paris Kickshaws Press.

$120.00

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First History of The Australian Club Melbourne – Reprinted in its Centenary Year, 1978. – Adrian Akhurst

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

Original 17th Century Map of Ireland by Mallet – Published Paris 1683

Platypus by Lesueur from Baudin Voyage – c1820

A Gun for Sale – Graham Green – Special Edition 1944

SO (Ten Romances) – John Crombie and The Kickshaws Private Press – Limited to 175 copies – Unusual Permutational Book.

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