The New Australia: Edmond Marin La Meslee

Anthony Trollope's claim that Aussies were great boasters and blowers was refuted by the author in 1883: "Ah, dear Mr. Trollope! Let them have their say. They are not so far wrong after all, for no country in the world, not even in America in proportion to its population, can show such astonishing progress...in the last quarter of a century...They are a young people with the faults of youth..." Originally published in 1883, La Meslee saw what Australian and English eyes missed or merely took for granted about the new colony. Melbourne Cup Day; a politician's maiden speech; a coach journey along what is now the Hume Highway; the meeting of two French Counts in Townsville - all these events and more are brought to life again, presenting a fascinating picture of a developing society full of vitality and brash self-confidence. Illustrated with beautiful black and white sketches.