The Miner's Right [together with proof copy of the same].

BROWNE, Thomas Alexander, as "Rolf Boldrewood".

Published by London: Macmillan and Co., 1890

About this Item

First edition, paired with an original proof copy, the latter a notably rare survival. The proof copy is printed on thinner paper (bulking 2 cm compared to 2.5 cm). There are some minor textual variations between the proof and the finished novel (omission of page or chapter numbers, spelling and punctuation corrections), noted in pencil on the rear pastedowns. The printing is of a noticeably poorer quality, as is occasionally the case with proof copies. The Miner's Right was the author's second major work, following Robbery Under Arms. It was based on his first-hand experiences - he spent ten years at Gulgon, a gold-mining town in New South Wales, where he served as a magistrate and gold fields commissioner. Browne wrote 16 novels, which "exactly suited the prevailing British taste for exotic adventure stories. In Australia, Browne's exaggerated respect for rank and his predilection for gentlemanly English heroes were mocked by his younger, more nationalistic contemporaries, but for all their romantic absurdities his best novels were deservedly praised for the authenticity of their scenes of life in the bush, their convincing rendition of Australian speech and character, and their lively evocation of recent historical events" (ODNB). Wolff 580. Together 6 vols, octavo. Published novel: 3 vols, original red cloth, spine and front cover lettered in gilt, front covers with publisher's device in gilt, black endpapers, trimmed edges. Proof novel: original boards, spines lettered by hand with vol. numbers, plain endpapers, trimmed edges. Published novel: spines lightly sunned with minor lean, some soiling to covers, printed label "Fasque" to front covers over publisher's device (likely Fasque House, family home of the Gladstones, often visited by their most famous son, the prime minister William). Proof: some wear at extremities, rubbed and a little soiled, joints neatly repaired, inked mark to front pastedown of vol. I. Both very good copies.

Seller Inventory # 154222

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Miner's Right [together with proof copy of the same].
• Publisher: London: Macmillan and Co., 1890
• Edition: 1st Edition