Signed by Hand is a little gem of a book that displays images of a wide variety of autographed items from the
National Library of Australia collections. This beautiful book
represents and celebrates famous and influential people in Australia’s history
through sixty-six personal, hand written inscriptions, presented like the nostalgic ‘autograph books’ of old.
See here a cheque for £100 signed by Charles Dickens to his two sons,
who migrated to Australia (Alfred in 1856 and Edward in 1869) where they opened
their own stock and station agency. And a Royal pardon signed by King George
III on 18 December 1800, in which William Meldrum’s death sentence for
committing piracy is commuted to transportation for life to New South Wales.
Also featured are autographs by singers, dancers, artists, authors and
poets, scientists, explorers, governors and politicians, aviators, activists,
sportsmen and women, Royal family members, and innovators. This unique collection of items includes letters, poems, book inscriptions, photographs, artworks, and even a Royal
pardon. Both well-known Australians and non-Australians are represented in this
gilt-edged gift book.
