Published in three volumes in 1903, 1904 and 1905 respectively, the full titles read:- The Cyclopedia of Victoria (Illustrated) – in Thee Volumes – An Historical and Commercial Review – Descriptive and Biographical, Facts, Figures and Illustrations – An Epitome of Progress – Edited by James Smith. It was published by The Cyclopedia Company, Publishers, Melbourne. These books are from the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. This is a significant reference tool as it is a vast source of biographical information.Three volumes of "Cyclopedia of Victoria". They have blue covers, black spines and gold print. The three volumes contain historical details which mention many people and also many biographies and thousands of illustrations including portraits. smith-james cyclopedia-victoria biographies-victoria