An Octogenarian's Reminiscences

In his 1902 published work James Bonwick recalls a long life's contribution to the fields of education and historical writing.

James Bonwick (Author)

9781108038966, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 8 November 2011

402 pages, 6 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.3 cm, 0.51 kg

In this 1902 work, teacher, historian and archivist James Bonwick (1817–1906) recalls a long life's contribution to the fields of education and historical writing. More than sixty publications can be attributed to Bonwick, who was elected a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in 1865. He traces his life from boyhood to the many years he spent in Australia, establishing, managing and inspecting schools. Bonwick stressed the need for observation and experimentation by the pupil rather than rote learning. He was also involved in the temperance movement, and was a sympathetic champion of the near-extinct Tasmanian aborigines. Upon returning to England in the early 1880s, Bonwick immersed himself in transcribing Australian source material, archived in London, that chronicled the British settlement in Australia. Many of his transcripts were subsequently used as the basis of works on the early history of Australia both by Bonwick himself and by others.

Preface
Part I. Boro' Road School Recollections: 1. The Old Boro' Road Boys' School
2. Greek and Egyptian pupils
3. My own further training
4. John Thomas Crossley
5. Transition from home to abroad
Part II. My Life in Australia: 6. Tasmania
7. South Australia, 1849–52
8. Life in Victoria
9. New South Wales
10. Queensland
Part III. Later Life in England: 11. After my return home
Part IV. World Wanderings: 12. Egypt and the Egyptians
13. Impressions of America
14. Visits to other lands
Part V. Family Records: 15. Family records
A small selection of poems
My literary work.

Subject Areas: Australasian & Pacific history [HBJM]