Out of Harness
London, J.J. Guillaume, Chester Square, and James J. Blundell & Co., 44 Collins Street, Melbourne, [1854].
Duodecimo, [iv], 100 pages.
Original blue cloth lettered and decorated in gilt on the spine, and extensively decorated in blind on both sides; cloth lightly rubbed at the extremities; top edge uncut, others only lightly cut; minimal expert conservation to the front hinge at the title page; an excellent copy.
Sir William à Beckett (1806-1869) was 'Chief Justice of Victoria' when the book was published. 'From 1843 à Beckett suffered from some form of paralysis in the legs, reputedly derived from an injury while playing cricket at Lord's. The affliction worsened and in February 1853 he was granted two years leave. With his wife and sons he went to England, where he consulted physicians but found no relief from his condition. However, the family managed to travel on the Continent, à Beckett being lifted into and out of the carriage by his sons. Notes of their tour through Switzerland and Italy were published as "Out of Harness" (London, 1854)' ('Australian Dictionary of Biography'). His introductory note to the book provides some still-useful advice: 'I purposefully omitted keeping any record, whilst en route, of my recent itinerations; and I would recommend all who can trust to observation and memory to follow my example. A glance at many things is sufficient, whilst all that is really deserving of recollection will probably obtain it without constant recourse to the pencil or pen. Moreover, there is a responsibility and restraint in wandering about, ink-horn and note-book in hand, from which I would fain be free'. Ferguson 5625 ('there are two editions, one dated 1854, the other undated'). The undated title leaf in this copy is a cancel. Provenance: Sir Henry Ayers (1821-1897), seven times premier of South Australia, with his armorial bookplate on the front pastedown.
Item #140213
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