Historical information

This book was awarded to John Thomas Good for first prize in English in the fifth form. John enrolled at Ballarat College in April of 1878 at the age of 12. Parent/Guardian listed in the register is Mrs. H.J.Murch.

Significance

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.

Physical description

Green cloth cover with ornate gilt decorations and black pictorials on cover and spine; gilt edges; binding breaking but overall fair condition; black and white illustrations throughout; college crest on back cover, 212 p.

Inscriptions & markings

Book plate inside front cover: college crest/ English/ Fifth form/ First prize/ Awarded to/ J.T.Good/ CHRISTMAS, 1878.