This book was awarded to John Geddes McGowan in 1891 for first prize in Latin. John entered the college in January of 1891 at the age of 13. He was the dux of Ballarat College in 1892. It is noted in the original register that John's parent is John S McGowan and the residence as 11 Ebden(?) Street, Ballarat East.Presbyterian educators placed great value on a classical education matched with diligence in study. Book prizes were highly regarded and academic success admired. In the school’s early years prizes were ordered direct from London and had the school crest embossed in gold on the front or back cover. Many of the prizes given in early years were returned to the school to equip the Weatherly Library when it opened in 1936.Bound in red calf with college emblem embossed on front cover and gilt bordering. Floral end papers, foxing on pages, red/gilt edges, black and white illustrations throughout. 624 p.Book plate inside front cover: Ballarat College emblem/ Latin/ IV Form./ First Prize./ Awarded to/ J.G.McGowan/ Christmas, 1891/john-geddes-mcgowan, 1891, book-prize, dux-1892, john-s-mcgowan.