Historical information

This history book, written by Walter Murdoch, is the third in a series on Australian history. Walter Logie Forbes Murdoch (1874-1970) was a distinguished academic and writer, regarded today as one of Australia’s foremost essayists. He was a household name to two generations of Australians through his radio broadcasts and syndicated newspaper columns in several Australian newspapers. He came to Warrnambool in 1901 as the proprietor of a private school and while in Warrnambool wrote the first of the history series, ‘The Struggle For Freedom’. In 1904 Murdoch became a lecturer in English at Melbourne University and went from there to be the foundation Professor of English at the University of Western Australia and later its Chancellor. Murdoch University in Western Australia is named after him and he was knighted in 1964. He published over 40 books.

Significance

This book is of interest as it was written by Walter Murdoch, not only because he was important in both literary and academic circles in Australia but also because he has a place in Warrnambool’s history. In 1901 Walter Murdoch came to Warrnambool going into partnership with James Scott, the proprietor of Warrnambool College. They bought out Stanley’s Warrnambool Grammar School and when Scott retired Murdoch became the sole proprietor and Headmaster of Warrnambool College. Whilst in Warrnambool Murdoch continued his writing. He left Warrnambool in 1904.

Physical description

This is a hard cover book of 242 pages. It has an olive green cover with the titles and author information on the cover and the spine in black print. The front cover has the information enclosed in an ornamental black and green border. The book has a Preface, 30 chapters on the early history of Australia, a List of Illustrations, an Index and two pages of advertisements for other history books published by Whitcombe and Tombs. The book contains several black and white photographs and sketches.

Inscriptions & markings

On first page: ‘Elizabeth Kiddle, St. Hilda’s 1st year’.