Historical information

H. Rider Haggard (1856-1925), a British author, wrote fiction and non-fiction works and had letters and articles published in newspapers and journals. His novel 'Queen of the Dawn' was published in 1935. Thenovel's cover and Fly page display hieroglyphics, which suggest that this story was set in Egypt. The book is part of Flagstaff Hill's Pattison Collection.

The book was published by the British firm Hutchinson & Co. operated for almost 100 years 1887-1985, before it underwent several mergers.

Significance

The book has additional importance for its connection to the Pattison Collection, which, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institutes’ Collection.
The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and its important role in people's intellectual, cultural and social development throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes.
The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance.

Physical description

Queen of The Dawn: A love tale of old Egypt
Author: H Rider Haggard
Publisher: Hutchinson & Co
1st Published in 1925
Green hardcover book with hieroglyphics on the cover, inscriptions on the label and stamps. Part of the Pattison Collection.

Inscriptions & markings

Label text: "PAT FIC HAG"
Stamp, red ink: "W'bool Public Library"
Sticker: "Corangamite Regional Library Service"
Handwritten: "1298"
Hieroglyphics, two, with translations: "Beautiful ascendress of pyramids" and "Great mistress of the dawn"