19th-Century Australian Travel Writing
Marquis De Beauvoir (Ludovic de Beauvoir, 1846-1929) was companion to the Duke of Penthièvre (Prince Pierre d'Orléans, 1845-1919). From 1865 – 1867, they embarked on a global tour through Australia, Java, Siam, Japan and California. De Beauvoir’s travel narrative is divided into two volumes: the first chronicling their journey through Australia; the second details their time in Java, Siam, and Canton. In the preface to A Voyage Round the World (also published in French in 1869) De Beauvoir emphasised his youth at the time of travel, having only celebrated his twentieth birthday a week before setting sail. In diary format, De Beauvoir detailed the voyage to Australia, Melbourne, the gold mines, Van Diemen's Land, Sydney, and the East coast of Australia. In an anecdotal and humourous narrative, he provides an illustration of colonial high society and activities such as hunting and skating. He also observed class structure and the activities of the working class.
Ludovic de Beauvoir's Visit to Australia
John Melville-Jones
(editor),
Carlisle
:
Hesperian Press
,
2016
9444764
2016
single work
prose
travel
'This publication presents a revised English translation of the first volume (Australie) of an account of a voyage around the world undertaken in 1866 by two young French aristocrats.
'In Australia they visited Melbourne, Ballarat and Bendigo, and outside Melbourne experienced the life of a squatter at that time. They also visited Hobart, Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane before sailing north towards South East Asia.
'The separate chapters are preceded by a general introduction written by Marie Ramsland (University of Newcastle), and by introductions to the separate chapters written by the editor, and by Nicola Cousen (Federation University), Steve Mullins (Central Queensland University), Stefan Petrow (University of Tasmania, and John and Marie Ramsland (University of Newcastle).
'The text and the introductions provide a vivid picture of the eastern states of Australia as they were in 1866, seen through the eyes of a young French aristocrat.' (Publication summary)
'Ludovic de Beauvoir's 1868 published account of his discovery of Australia during his round-the-world journey provides a fascinating picture of the British colonies of the mid-1800s. This article examines his observations about the Australian colonies within the broader context, taking into account reports in contemporary local newspapers and other sources. Depicted is a young society viewed through the prism of the author's native country, France, and his adopted country, England, and reflects the class and racial divisions, general attitudes and prejudices of the time. These are especially commented upon as he visits each town and its district — from Melbourne to Hobart, then Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane. As an outsider's perspective of the past, 'Australie' contributes to the growing historiography of the country.
De Beauvoir's last book published in 1931 testifies to his life-long admiration for Australia and Australians.' ' (Author's abstract)
Collecting Old Tasmanian Books
Belgrave Heights
:
Boobook Press
,
2010
Z1747673
2010
single work
criticism
Old Tasmanian books covers anything printed in or about Tasmania before 1901 - mainly books and pamphlets but also newspapers, maps, prints and printed ephemera such as broadsides and handbills -- Dust jacket.
Collecting Old Tasmanian Books
Belgrave Heights
:
Boobook Press
,
2010
Z1747673
2010
single work
criticism
Old Tasmanian books covers anything printed in or about Tasmania before 1901 - mainly books and pamphlets but also newspapers, maps, prints and printed ephemera such as broadsides and handbills -- Dust jacket.
'Ludovic de Beauvoir's 1868 published account of his discovery of Australia during his round-the-world journey provides a fascinating picture of the British colonies of the mid-1800s. This article examines his observations about the Australian colonies within the broader context, taking into account reports in contemporary local newspapers and other sources. Depicted is a young society viewed through the prism of the author's native country, France, and his adopted country, England, and reflects the class and racial divisions, general attitudes and prejudices of the time. These are especially commented upon as he visits each town and its district — from Melbourne to Hobart, then Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane. As an outsider's perspective of the past, 'Australie' contributes to the growing historiography of the country.
De Beauvoir's last book published in 1931 testifies to his life-long admiration for Australia and Australians.' ' (Author's abstract)
