My Home in Tasmania : During a Residence of Nine Years

Published in 1852, Louisa Meredith's two-volume work is an important document, both for the scope of its coverage and its significance in the history of women's non-fiction. It is also a valuable natural history work, with Meredith describing in great detail the flora and fauna of the island.

Louisa Anne Meredith's account of her life in Tasmania was published in 1852. She was an experienced traveller, and this work is remarkable for being the first detailed account by a woman of life in the colony. Its shrewd observations and descriptive personal narrative make it an engaging read, as well as providing a valuable historical record. A keen botanist and artist, Meredith describes the island's natural life in great detail in beautiful and evocative passages. In Volume 2 she provides more anecdotes of her life, including descriptions of the animals she encounters and journeys made within the island. She also covers more social issues, looking at religion and custom in the colony among the settlers and the natives, and closing the book with an examination of Tasmania's industry and trades. For more information on this author, see http://orlando.cambridge.org/public/svPeople?person_id=merelo