A View of the Art of Colonization, with Present Reference to the British Empire; in Letters between a Statesman and a Colonist. Edited by (one of the Writers) Edward Gibbon Wakefield

London, John W. Parker, 1849. Octavo, xxiv, 514, 6 (publisher's catalogue) pages plus a tipped-in errata slip. Antique-style half calf and marbled boards; spine gilt in compartments, with a contrasting title-label; minimal signs of age and use; overall, an excellent copy. 'Under the device of imaginary letters between colonist and statesman, Wakefield fully develops his cherished theories [on colonisation, particularly of Australia and New Zealand] . Amidst his numerous valuable contributions, this is Wakefield's chief work. Ever since its publication controversy has never ceased to defend or denounce the author's propositions, which it is but fair to say have never been fairly carried into practice .' (Hocken, page 149). Ferguson 5235; Bagnall 5818; Hocken, page 149.