Historical information

This book was awarded to John Thomas Good as First prize for French in the Sixth form in 1880. John enrolled in Ballarat College in 1878 at the age of 12. In the original register his parent/guardian is listed as Mrs. H J. Munch, Beulah Glenthompson.

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

Bound in brown half calf with college crest embossed on front cover. Six raised ornately decorated bands on spine with gilt lettering on second and third compartments. Marble edging with marble end papers. Dampness and water damage, with the book having been plastic covered (plastic removed 2013). Slight foxing on pages, slight detachment of spine, black and white frontise piece, 628 p.

Inscriptions & markings

Book plate inside front cover: school crest/ French/ First Prize,/ Sixth Form./ Awarded to/ Thomas J. Good/ CHRISTMAS. 1880.