AustLit

'James Hingston (1830–1902) was born in London and arrived in Victoria in 1852, where he practised as a notary public, an agent authorised to draw up legal documents (Walker 2005:179–180). He built up considerable personal wealth from investing wisely in commercial opportunities following the goldrush era in Melbourne. Hingston never married and lived for over 30 years in his bedroom at the George Hotel, St Kilda, amid large piles of books and papers and a growing reputation for eccentricity. An indefatigable reader, he knew Shakespeare’s plays almost by heart and was considered one of Melbourne’s great raconteurs. He died at Exmouth, in England, in 1902.'  (Introduction)

'From the earliest days of the British settlement of Australia, India and the crown colony of Ceylon were a familiar part of the colonists’ world. As Margaret Steven (1965:26) has noted ‘the first links made by the new colony were with India’. When supplies ran short, as they often did, ships from Calcutta brought grain, foodstuffs, spirits, clothing and live animals. India provided a lifeline for the new settlement. Many trading and shipping connections then developed, creating an increasing flow of administrators, merchants, army personnel, clergy and tourists between the Indian subcontinent and Australia. Australians constantly heard about the conditions of life in India, along with its scenic marvels, architecture, philosophies, mysteries and climate. Australia’s Indian connection was to remain strong for much of the 19th century.' (Introduction)

'Spurred on by his encroaching blindness, prominent historian David Walker's Not Dark Yet is a frank, witty and innovative memoir that connects the small, seemingly inconsequential events of daily life to larger historical themes of family, war, patriotism, racial identity, religious belief, knowledge of the world and death. Not Dark Yet captures the elusive voice of middle-class Australia and explores the moral values and lifestyles of people who kept few written records.

'In taking a fresh look at historical writing, Not Dark Yet offers new ways of imagining the past and making the everyday world of homes, families, childhood and memory central to the national story.

'This beautifully written and generously illustrated book is both a new departure for the author and a strikingly original contribution to our literary heritage.' (From the publisher's website.)

'From the late nineteenth century the Asianisation of Australia has sparked anxious comment. The great catchcries of the day . . the awakening East. , . the yellow peril. , . populate or perish. . had a direct bearing on how Australians viewed their future. Anxious Nation provides a full and fascinating account of Australia's complex engagement with Asia.' (Publication summary)