A Geographical Description of Australasia comprising New Holland, Van Dieman's Land, New South Wales, the Swan River Settlement, etc. Including a faithful account of the First Discoveries, being the Cheapest, Most Comprehensive and Eligible Emigrant's Guide to the New Settlement on the Swan River hitherto Published

Collins, S. H.

Published by Joseph Noble, Hull, UK, 1830

About this Item

The third, enlarged and best edition of the early emigrant's guide to the newly settled colony of Swan River. In various forms, this is listed as Ferguson 1252, 1270, 1332 and 1348a. It was first published by S.H. Collins in 1829 within an emigrant's guide to the United States of America, published by J. Noble of Hull. (F1252). The 2nd edition of 46 pages was published by J. Cross in 1829, again without an author identified, but a pencil notation in the Mitchell Library copy states that the author was "Mr. Barlow, Secretary to the Admi" (F1270). This edition, published in 1830 by J. Noble of Hull is expanded to 74 pages and includes a new map of Australia, the cartouche of a kangaroo (after Banks) and a group of four men pulling a barge. It is engraved by Hewitt. (F1332). A fourth and similar edition published by Noble in 74 pages, omits the words identifying the new map of Australia. (F1348a.) A rare book, more so in the original printed boards, as this copy is. The first 35pp deal with the colony at the Swan River, now Perth, Western Australia. Rules & regulations are laid down by the Colonial Office, but more importantly it includes Thomas Peel's terms and conditions for emigrants choosing to settle his lands, including costs of passage & wages. It includes a printed 3 page letter on the proposal for a Christian colony and missionary station at the Swan River. Small 8vo, 74pp, frontispiece folding map entitled "Australia", engraved by Hewitt. There is a line from Arnhem Land down to Fowlers Bay, titled, "The Western boundary of British jurisdiction". The lower left corner has a wonderful vignette with title, and a kangaroo in foreground. Original tan printed paper over boards. The back board is an advertisement for "The Emigrant's Guide to the United States of America." by S.H. Collins. Spine expertly restored. Ferguson 1332. Wonderfully clean copy that retains the original printing on both covers. Seller Inventory # 14036

Bibliographic Details

Title: A Geographical Description of Australasia ...

Publisher: Joseph Noble, Hull, UK

Publication Date: 1830

Binding: Hardcover