The Aborigines of Victoria: With Notes Relating to the Habits of the Natives of Other Parts of Australia and Tasmania (2 Volumes)


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    First Edition.

    28cm x 20cm. Vol. 1. [frontispiece], lxxii, 484, (2 full page sketches on unnumbered pages, text illustrated throughout, 1 folded map missing). Vol. 2. [frontispiece], vi, 456 pages (5 full page sketches on unnumbered pages, 16 full page illustrations on numbered pages, folded map missing), facsimile of letter. 2 volumes. FERGUSON 15882. Rebound half blue leather, blue cloth, gilt lettering.

    Rebound in half-leather, circa 1940s. Maps missing. A comprehensive compilation of studies of Aboriginal Australians in the late 1800s. Robert Brough Smyth (1830-1889) spent 16 years as Secretary to the Board of Protection for Aborigines. His own detailed studies and illustrations are complemented by the works and contributions of other notable ‘guardians’ and individuals who lived close to the culture. Key headings include: physical characteristics; mental character; birth and education of children; marriage; death and burial; daily life; food; disease; dress and ornamentation; weaponry; implements and manufacturing; nets and fish-hooks; canoes; and myths. In addition, the second volume devotes over 200 pages to multiple languages and translations. With over 500 figures plus 10 plates, this essential tome captures much information about Aboriginal culture during this key period of change.

    Moderate general wear to cloth, minor to leather. Front hinge of volume 1 cracked and almost loose, minor cracking to other hinges. Minor dampstaining to boards and endpapers, not affecting text. Minor foxing and soiling. Small tape repair to one illustration page. Inkstamp of R. D. Ingram, Tombong, Delegate. Good Condition.

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    SKU: 0009658 Category: