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Welcome to Hesperian Press
Hesperian Press has been publishing Real Australian Books since 1969 when its principal, Peter Bridge, first published technical material. The current program commenced in 1979 and Hesperian Press has now published well over 800 titles, with up to 20 works in progress at any time.
PLEASE NOTE: Any book title starting with "The" - the second word of the title is used to list by.
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FREE BOOKS
When you visit the shop you can choose from the 'free book shelf'. Mail order - we will try to add in a free book if it does not increase the postage.
It is important that we get support for our books from our readers. Hesperian does not get taxpayer funding.
Many millions of dollars have been mis-spent on unreadable novels and plainly irrelevant and obnoxious propaganda.
There is no other publisher like us in Australia concentrating on REAL Australian history and people.
Hesperian books will stand the test of time.
But if we do not get buyer support we may not be around too long after our 50 years anniversary.
COMING SOON
Due North. The exploration of the North West of WA by Peter J. Bridge and the WA Explorers’ Diaries Project.
The most important book on the North West in a century.
The North West is the wealth producing focus of the nation. Its history is little known. This book details all the exploration of the first 50 years, from the 1860s.
Circa 800 pages, approx. $160.00. Case bound. Corporate sponsors invited.
Contents of Due North:
Illustrations.
The distinct lack of contemporary illustrations from the North West explorers may be directly related to fact that the majority were potential pastoralists, hungry for land, and without the intellectual interests that mark many of the explorers in other volumes. This characteristic has shadowed the development of the region until recent times.
Introduction.
American Whalers on the North Coast.
1847.
The Voyage of the Scout – Exploration in the North West of Western Australia 1847.
1861.
F.T. Gregory's Expedition to the North-West Coast, April – July.
F.T. Gregory. Journal of the North-West Australian Exploring Expedition.
Appendix
Vocabulary of the Aboriginal Language at Nickol Bay by Mr P. Walcott.
Return of Gregory.
1862–1863.
Walter Padbury's Expedition to the North-West Coast. 1863.
F.T. Gregory to Padbury re the North West.
W. Padbury. Proposed Further Exploration of the North West.
Preparations for a New Expedition.
Mr Padbury's Expedition.
Joseph Beete Ridley at Nicol Bay with Walter Padbury. April – September.
Joseph Beete Ridley Transmits his Report of Proceedings at Nicol Bay.
Letter and Diary of Charles Nairn, Sent to his Sister. May.
Extracts from the Journal of Charles Nairn. September – October.
Reporting Arrival at Nicol Bay in the Tien Tsin.
Return of Walter Padbury's Expedition to Nicol Bay.
The Tien Tsin's Track to the Harding River. First Trip. May.
The Tien Tsin's Second Trip to the North-West Coast. June – July.
W.A. Taylor to Walter Padbury. Nicol Bay Letter.
Captain Jarman's Journal of the Tien Tsin's Third Trip. August – September.
James Turner. Remarks on Nicol Bay.
Captain J.T. Jarman. Remarks.
Exploration and Settlement of the North-West Coast. Journal of C.C. Hunt. April – June.
Charles Cooke Hunt. Exploration from Fremantle to De Grey River in the Cutter Mystery.
The trip of the Flying Foam to the Glenelg River. June – August.
James Martin. Voyage to the Glenelg River, North-West Australia. June – July.
From Champion Bay to Doubtful Bay.
From Doubtful Bay to the Lower Rapids of the Glenelg River.
Land Exploration to Camden Harbour.
From the Glenelg River to Collier Bay.
Collier Bay.
Report
1863 – 1864.
The Lust for Gold Makes Men Bold.
The convict 'Wildman'. A fool's tale of gold.
Gold at the Glenelg.
1864.
Exploration. The North Coast.
Glenelg Expedition. March to June.
Frederick Kennedy Panter. Journal. March – June.
Panter. Expedition to Brecknock Harbour, Camden Sound and Roebuck Bay.
The Glenelg Expedition.
Auriferous Quartz from Western Australia.
Quartz from the Government of Western Australia.
The Geology of the North-West.
James Martin. Journal of a Voyage of Exploration to Brecknock Harbor and Roebuck Bay, on the North-West Coast of Australia, in March, April, and May, 1864.
From Champion Bay to Camden Harbor.
From Brecknock Harbor to Roebuck Bay.
Roebuck Bay and the adjacent country.
From Roebuck Bay to Fremantle.
Thomas Burges. Expedition to the Gascoigne and Exmouth Gulf. April – June.
Diary of Thomas Burges.
W.A. Taylor. Exploration in Northern Australia.
Roebuck Bay Expedition 1864–65. The loss of Panter, Goldwyer and Harding.
L.C. Burges, Jun., Journal. October 1864 – January 1865.
F.K. Panter. Official Report.
F.K. Panter. Journal. November.
Constable W.H. Goldwyer. Journal. November.
James Harding. Journal. October – November.
Settlements at the Harding and De Grey Rivers, North West Coast.
Journal of the Late Voyage of the Tien Tsin. December.
1865.
James Orkney's Letter to Governor Hampton.
The Search for the Three Missing Explorers, Panter, Goldwyer and Harding.
Instructions to the Commander of the Clarence Packet.
Instructions to the Searching-party for the Missing Explorers.
Joseph Logue. Official Correspondence.
Confirmation of the fate of Panter, Goldwyer and Harding. February – March.
Discovery of the remains of the north-west coast explorers.
To the Memory of Messrs Panter, Harding, and Goldwyer.
Maitland Brown. Expedition in search of Panter, Harding and Goldwyer. February – March.
D. Francisco. The Panter-Harding-Goldwyer Relief Expedition of 1865.
Pioneers of Nor'West Australia. Pastoral and Pearling. By Lockier Clere Burges
Discovery of a New Island on the NW coast of Australia. April.
Gulliver in Dampier Land. Editorial.
L.L. Mount to Exmouth Gulf. June – July.
The Camden Harbour Association.
Nicol Bay. April – June.
Roebuck Bay. McRae's Expedition. October.
Camden Harbour Minerals, by the Reverend W.B. Clarke.
T. Hooley. Journal of an Expedition to Shark Bay. November 1865 – January 1866.
News from Mr Hooley's Exploring Party.
Vocabulary of Native Language Shark's Bay.
1866.
Thomas Baynton. The North-West of Australia.
James Cowle. Roebuck Bay to Port Walcott Overland. January – February.
Robert J. Sholl. Return to the Harding From Camden Harbour. October–November.
The State of the Settlements at Port Walcott and Nickol River.
T.C. Sholl's Boat Trip to the Fortescue. March.
H.W. Venn and Others. Nicol Bay to Ashburton River. March – April.
R.J. Sholl. Overland to the Mouth of the Fortescue River. February– March.
E.T. Hooley. From Perth Overland to Nickol Bay and Return. April–November.
Our Northern Territory.
Alexander McRae. Exploration on the Fitzroy River. May.
Charles Wedge. Searching for an Overland Route to Port Hedland. May – June.
T.C. Sholl. Report of Expedition to Exmouth Gulf and Ashburton River. June – August.
A. McRae. Report of Expedition to Exmouth Gulf and Ashburton River. June – August.
Francis Mount. From Butchers Inlet Overland to De Grey River.
T.C. Sholl and A. McRae. Expedition to the Upper Sherlock and Fortescue. August – September 1866.
R. J. Sholl. The North-West Settlements.
1867.
T. Hooley. Overland Route Between the Murchison and Nickol Bay.
1870s.
P.E. Warburton. Journey across the Western Interior of Australia. 1872 – 1874.
P.E. Warburton. Note on the value of camels in Australian exploration.
1880s – 1890s.
R.C.S. MacPhee. Gold Prospecting Party in the North. 1887.
The Calvert Scientific Exploring Expedition 1896–1897.
William F. Rudall. Surveys and Exploration. 1896.
David Carnegie. Exploring and Prospecting Expedition. Coolgardie to the Kimberley and Return 1896–1897.
Frank Hann. Explorations. 1897–1898.
The State and position of Western Australia commonly called The Swan River Settlement
by Captain Frederick Chidley Irwin. With an extensive biographical introduction by Peter Conole.
ISBN 978-0-85905-780-6, (New, 2019), 240 x 160, French flaps, 168 pages, 300 grams, $40.00*
Hesperian Press takes particular pride in resurrecting this remarkable work from undeserved and disgraceful obscurity. Frederick Irwin’s book, the first large scale study of Western Australia, was published in London in 1835. Our facsimile of that now very rare book is greatly enhanced by inclusion of a 19-page biographical sketch of its author by Peter Conole. This study of an important colonial figure includes material which has eluded the attention of historians and will both dispel various inaccuracies and clarify his career and importance to WA. Irwin’s ‘State and Position’ is very well written and both frank and forthright in tackling controversial issues. In the course of nine chapters and an appendix Irwin provided brilliant word paintings of living and working conditions for settlers. He was always forthright in offering opinions, such as his hatred of convict systems. He also had a fine eye for detail in discussing a range of civic affairs and the future prospects of the colony.
A Century of Service. A history of the Returned & Services League of WA.
by Chris Holyday
ISBN 978-0-85905-829-2, (New, 2020), A4, heavily illustrated, 140 pages, 600 grams, $40.00*
The author worked directly within the RSLWA for eighteen months to record their over 100 years of service, support and hospitality to returned soldiers, sailors, nurses and other service personnel in Western Australia from 1915 to 2020 in all wars. It documents, using the RSLWA’s own archives, how the returned soldiers began to organise themselves into soldiers’ associations from late 1915. This was attributed to returning 11th and 16th Battalion ex-soldiers. The book, with a Foreword by Governor Beazley, AC, documents the dramatic changes that overtook the WA government, and WA society, following that first 25th April 1915 action at Gallipoli. It identifies those individuals that first came together in support of the returning maimed and injured soldiers. It covers the wide extent of civilian and RSLWA support activities for returning soldiers – and for those still serving at the front. Later chapters explore the RSLWA’s increasing relevance in an ever-turbulent and troubled world. The RSLWA has a vital role to play in reminding the nation of its everlasting responsibility, to those who are serving and have served; to its fallen and to the partners and children of the fallen. Its duty will never end for as long as our men and women continue to serve the cause of freedom – and pay its price of eternal vigilance. A copy of the book will be included in a time capsule to be placed in the floor of the new 2020 ANZAC House (completed in September 2020) – the time capsule to be opened in another 100 years’ time.
Aboriginal Sign Language.
by Walter E. Roth.
ISBN 978-0-85905-862-9, (1897 R 2020), A4, 35 pages, illustrated, 140 grams, $22.00*
Forgotten by most but still used in many areas. Perhaps a useful study for teachers and police.
Above the 26th
by Les Newman
ISBN 978-0-85905-834-6, (new, 2020), A4, 36 pages, 140 grams, $30.00*
Les went North in 1960. Darwin, Carnarvon, Gascoyne Junction, Denham, Exmouth, Onslow, Kununurra, Wyndham, Karratha, with characters in between and around. The idiosyncrasies of the inhabitants of the outer lands are described in detail. One wonders just how the system survived.
Between Beach and Bush. Remember Old North Beach, Trigg and Watermans Bay.
By Chris Holyday
ISBN 978-0-85905-838-4, (New, 2020), A4, colour sections, well-illustrated, 142 pages, 620 grams, $40.00*
The book is a virtual trip back in time to the coastal suburbs of North Beach, Trigg and Watermans Bay of old, and is lavishly illustrated. It provides the first comprehensive history of these coastal suburbs. Attractively presented and including numerous photos, many never before published, this limited print book will undoubtedly become a sought-after collectors’ item. It describes, in great detail, the first homes built by non-Aboriginal people in the coastal districts, the pioneering Hamersley empire along the coast, the first shops opened, an early shipwreck, convict visitors, early developments by the Perth Road Board (predecessor of the City of Stirling), building of the first jetty, the first land subdivisions, derivation of the street names of the district, early transport, the first surf lifesaving club, the story behind Mettam’s Pool and many tragic drownings at Trigg Island, as well as many other interesting events and people that helped build these suburbs over 100 years from 1869.
Butchery in the Bush: The savage murder of a settler's wife at Boyanup in June 1871.
Edited by Peter J. Bridge
Edited by Peter J. Bridge. ISBN 978-0-85905-842-1, (1871 R 2020), A4, 8 pages, 70 grams, $15.00*
An example of the tenuous relationships which existed between settlers and natives. The killer was hung in the old Perth Gaol. Margaret McGowan is buried at Picton. Includes a note on Corporal Edward Peirl.
Creating Australia’s Electronic Gold Rush
by Peter J. Bridge
ISBN 978-0-85905-833-9, (198*, 2020), A4, heavily illustrated in colour, 32 pages, 150 grams, $30.00*
The author created the metal detector gold rush in the mid-1970s. It has changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in Australia and elsewhere. Details the story of some of the first prospectors and their finds, with photos.
Deaths in Western Australia A Genealogy Guide
compiled by Swan Genealogy
ISBN 978-0-85905-835-3, (New 2020) A4, 423pp, 1.2kg, $45.00*
This publication contains deaths and burial resources and records within towns and regions of Western Australia, held within archives, libraries, genealogical societies and on the internet.
Ethno-Pornography. Male and female Aboriginal initiation and customs.
by Walter E. Roth.
ISBN 978-0-85905-852-0, (1897 R 2020), A4, 23 pages, illustrated, 110 grams, $22.00*
Despite the unfortunate title, a serious study.
Ethnological notes and phallic rites of the Aboriginal tribes of Western and South Australia.
by R.H. Matthews.
ISBN 978-0-85905-859-9, (1904 R 2020), A4, 54 pages, illustrated, 185 grams, $35.00*
Important reference for all seriously interested in the real background to native tribal customs.
H.A. ‘Matt’ Ellis and the Lasseter Rort
Edited by Peter J. Bridge
ISBN 978-0-85906-832-2, (New, 2020), A4, illustrated, 25 pages, 110 grams, $22.00*
A short biography of ‘Matt’ Ellis, an almost legendary geologist who died some 50 years ago. A Military Medallist in WWI from NZ he became Government Geologist of the Northern Territory and later held the same position in Western Australia.
This book records his trip in 1936 to check on the claims of companies promoting the Lasseter story.
The once ‘secret’ files detailing the threats and intimidation against him by the company promotors are now public for the first time.
Matt was rough and tough, and not the person to retreat from a fight. Interesting reading.
Indexes.
Gold in the Gascoyne, Winning the Gascoyne, Wheeltracks, Golden Days, My Fourth Tour, The Golden Quest, Beyond Boundary Fences, Before Coolgardie II.
Indexes to the above Hesperian Press books are $10 each. Eventually they will be incorporated into a vast master index of Hesperian books. If I survive that long.
Into the Arms of Death
by Neville Green
ISBN 978-0-85905-820-9, (New 2020), A4, Soft Cover, 188pp, well illustrated, 720 grams, $50.00 + Postage
An important and revelationary study of the effects of disease on Westralian Aboriginals that will change the way we perceive their diminution and which places the politicised claims of many mythical massacres squarely into the propaganda (aka bullsh) basket. From the measles of European settlers to leprosy, smallpox and VD from the great Asian disease reservoirs, the effects on native populations were a real holocaust.
Killers and Cannibals of the Upper Ashburton:
Prospectors and stockmen murdered and cunning natives evade punishment.
Edited by Peter J. Bridge
ISBN 978-0-85904-841-4, (1905 R 2020), A4, illustrated, 16 pages, 80 grams, $22.00*
As the title explains, a chase for killers by Sergeant Frederick Growden, whose biographical outline is included.
Mary Lindsay and the Defence of Jurien Bay 1928-1941
by Bob Sheppard
ISBN 978-0-85905-824-7, (2020 New), A5 Soft Cover, 27pp, illustrated, 60 grams, $10.00
In Book 2 in the Mid-West at War Series, Bob Sheppard explores Mrs Mary Linday's call for the development of Jurien Bay as a naval port as Australia faces emerging aggression from Germany and Japan.
Over the Hills. A History of York 1834 - 1880
by Roger Jennings
ISBN 978-85905-712-7, (New, 2020), 160 x 240mm, 360pp, French flap cover, 840 grams, $72.00 + POST $12.45.
A detailed history of York in its first 50 years. An important book of the first inland settlement.
Pharmacy Apprenticeship Education in Western Australia
by Bruce Sutherland
ISBN 978-0-85905-828-5, (New, 2020), 160 x 240, illustrated, 80 pages, 230 grams, $30.00*
This book describes the background to the commencement of pharmacy and its statutory recognition in Western Australia. It particularly focusses on the history of pharmacy education. This was a special arrangement which commenced in 1903 between the pharmacy profession and Perth Technical College. Pharmacy education was embodied within the Department of Chemistry at Perth Technical College. It traces the factors that influenced the nature of the education and responsibility for the practitioners that qualified from the only course available to the public in Western Australia. The role of apprenticeship education is debated and how it affected pharmacy education in Western Australia, until the course closure in 1968.
It is essential reading for all involved in both higher education in Australia, and specifically those who have trained in Pharmacy.
Pilchowski's Crossing. The triple murder of Richard Pilchowski.
by Peter J. Bridge
ISBN 978-0-85905-770-7 (2020 New), A4, 41pp, 150 grams, $30.00*
The savage shovel nosed spearing of a sleeping man at Wyndham in 1913 has led to the murder being justified by vested interests. The true story is now revealed together with the stupidity and cupidity of the detractors.
Pioneers of the Forensic Division of the Western Australian Police Force.
by John Horton.
ISBN 978-0-85905-839-1, (2020), A4, 53 pages, heavily illustrated, 190 grams, $35.00*
Covers the development of all aspects of forensic work and the men who pioneered the techniques.
Prospecting Memories
of Alan Payne and Mates.
ISBN 978-0-85905-784-4, (New, 2020), A4, illustrated, 87 pages, 410 grams, $35.00*
The results and adventures of 40 years of detector prospecting statewide.
Available direct from the author: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Slash and Burn - Flint or firestick: Subincision and kindred rites of the Australian Aboriginal.
by Herbert Basedow.
ISBN 978-0-85905-850-6, (1927 R 2020), A4, 39 pages, illustrated, 150 grams, $30.00*
Those who survived the initiations could survive anything.