A few years back I was given this large old book for a present. It’s from the Government Press from 1918, and reproduces a decent number of important documents from the early period of Australia’s colonial history.
This book is in good condition and most of the pages are left “uncut” by former readers. Whilst reading the pages without cutting the edge is tricky, I’d prefer to keep it in its current condition as it adds to the uniqueness of an item of what could be considered early Australian antiquity.
The book has faithfully reproduced copies of a number of legal documents which vary from oaths of office to details of personal estates. There are substantial documents relating to the establishment of early systems of Law and Commerce, and later documents relating to individuals, mainly establishing the rights to large chunks of land.
As you can see from the photos, the style and quality of handwriting in the past two hundred plus years has changed substantially from what we use today. Back in the older days, it was really an art form. I’m quite glad to be able to own a nicely bound copy of some of Australia’s early legal history.