Across Australia (Second Edition)

The popular condensed edition of Baldwin Spencer and F. J. Gillen’s Central Australian work, with natural history, photographs and the authors’ account of Arrernte ceremonial life.

Baldwin Spencer (1860–1929), the Lancashire-born biologist who took the chair of biology at Melbourne in 1887, and F. J. Gillen, sub-protector of Aborigines for South Australia, had worked together since the Horn Scientific Expedition of 1894. By 1912 their Native Tribes of Central Australia (1899) had made them the best-known students of Aboriginal society of their day. Across Australia offered a wider public a synthesis of that fieldwork. As the Spectator noted in its review of October 1912, it is “not a new book of travels, nor the narrative of a single expedition”, but draws on material gathered at different times. The first volume describes the country, its plants and animals, and the second is largely devoted to Aboriginal customs and beliefs, especially those of the Arunta, including ceremonial life. The book is illustrated with hundreds of photographs. It remains a standard early source, and a record made through the colonial and scientific attitudes of its time.

Second edition, September 1912. Two volumes, octavo. Vol. I: xiv, 254pp.; vol. II: xvii, 255–515pp. Illustrations and folding maps in both volumes. Original red cloth, the spines lettered and illustrated in gilt, with a gilt vignette to the covers and blind margins. Hinges a bit loosened and some rubbing along the edges. Contents near fine and bright throughout, with a few spots along the edges. A very good set.

Not currently on display in store. For viewing or more information, please contact rarebooks@harryhartog.com.au

Catalogue Number: HH000810