Diary of Ten Years Eventful Life of an Early Settler in Western Australia and also A Descriptive Vocabulary of the Language of the Aborigines
Perth, Western Australia: University Of Western Australia Press, 1978. Facsimile ed., octavo, pp. (xii) 423 (Diary), (ix) 120 (Vocabulary). 3 page introduction by C.T. Stannage, original red leatherette boards in dust-jacket. Near fine condition
Early guide to life in the Swan River colony of Western Australia between 1830 and 1840. Moore held land at Dongara and Swan Valley. A detailed first-hand account of pioneering days at the Swan River settlement. The author, an Irish candidate for the Bar, was attracted by the lure of large land grants in Western Australia and travelled to the colony in 1830. This book publishes Moore's correspondence with friends, family and colleagues in Britain; so forming a valuable account of day-to-day life interspersed with gossip, natural history observations and other details. Diary of Ten Years of an Early Settler is a significant record of interpersonal contacts between early colonists. For example, a rambling account of some 16 pages describes an expedition by Moore and other settlers with a view to inspecting their grants. The party was guided by 'Mr. Dale, an officer in the 60th regiment, the first who had penetrated beyond the Range, was selected to point out the most practical route'. Lieutenant Robert Dale, explorer and draughtsman, is today best remembered for his magnificent lithographic panorama of the Swan River settlement. It offers insights into the psychological upheaval of emigration, records Moore's fascination with Aborigines, describes vividly the trials of establishing a farm, notes social relationships, and offers 'inside' information on colonial administration. An immensely valuable social document. Much of Moore's book records his personal contacts with the Aboriginals and a descriptive vocabulary exceeding 100 pages with a separate title-page and preface. Item #106740
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