Historical information

This book was awarded to Ewen Wanliss in 1891 for first prize for Greek in the VI form. Ewen enrolled at Ballarat College in 1888 at the age of 15 along with his brothers David, Cecil, Newton, Sydney and Neville. Ewen's father was Hon. T. D. Wanliss and his previous school was Toorak College IV class. The Wanliss family grew up in Wanliss House Sturt St, which was bought by the school in 1910. The house remained on the property until 1996.
"Ewen Wanliss was born on 24th September 1873 and died in 1966. He was educated at Ballarat College, enrolled in1888, and was Captain of the College 1st XI and 1st XVIII in 1892. He served as 327 Pte E Wanliss, 4th (Imperial) Contingent, and as a Lieutenant (20th August 1900) with the 4th Imperial Bushmen in the South African War." (In the Footsteps of Pompey p. 14).

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 calf with gilt bordering on front and back cover and the college crest embossed on front cover. Six raised bands on spine with gilt lettering on red calf on the second compartment and gilt decoration on remaining compartments. End papers and page edges marbled. Black and white illustrations throughout, slight foxing on pages and slight detachment of spine. 474 p.

Inscriptions & markings

Book plate inside front cover: ballarat college crest/ Greek/ VI Form./ First prize./ Awarded to/ E. Wanliss/ Christmas, 1891.