Nancy Adams Family Fresco 1966 1st Ed HC DJ Melbourne History Genealogy

Key Details

Title: Family Fresco

Author: Nancy Adams

Publisher: F. W. Cheshire Pty Ltd, Melbourne

Year of Publication: 1966

Edition: First Edition

Format: Hardcover with original illustrated dust jacket

Pages: 205

Printed: Halstead Press, Sydney, Australia

Language: English

Genre: Australian History / Memoir / Family History / Genealogy

Subject: Mitchell and Morrison families of Victoria

Library of Congress Card No.: 66-25768

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Mini Story or Hook

A fascinating piece of Melbourne social history, Family Fresco is Nancy Adams’ memoir of the distinguished Mitchell and Morrison families and the world in which she grew up.

Nancy Adams (1890–1968), born Agnes Eliza Fraser Mitchell, was the daughter of prominent barrister Sir Edward Mitchell and granddaughter of Dr Alexander Morrison, the long-serving principal of Scotch College. Her recollections provide an intimate picture of family and social life in late nineteenth and early twentieth-century Melbourne. The Australian Dictionary of Biography confirms that Adams published Family Fresco in 1966 as her memoir of the Mitchell and Morrison families.

Of particular interest to Melbourne collectors is Adams’ account of growing up at Fanecourt, 144 Gipps Street, East Melbourne. The East Melbourne Historical Society regards Family Fresco as a valuable contribution to local social history for its portraits of local identities and domestic life.

A particularly appealing first-edition copy retaining its original architectural dust jacket and illustrated endpapers.

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Condition

Condition: Good vintage condition – see detailed notes and photographs below.

This is an original 1966 Australian first edition hardcover:

* Original illustrated dust jacket is present and has been housed in a removable clear protective cover.

* Dust jacket shows age-related wear, including rubbing, marks, spotting, edge wear and some loss/chipping, particularly around the upper edge and spine.

* Original red cloth hardcover appears sound.

* Binding appears firm and intact.

* Pages show expected light age toning.

* Illustrated endpapers are clean and particularly attractive.

* Previous owner’s name/inscription in blue ink to the upper portion of the title page.

* Original $4.50 price remains visible on the dust-jacket flap.

* Black-and-white photographic illustrations/plates are present within the book.

* Overall a sound and attractive copy, particularly desirable for retaining its original dust jacket.

📸 The photos form part of the description – please examine them closely.

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Postage & Handling

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