A Woman On The Goldfields: Recollections of Emily Skinner 1854-1878
(Paperback)
Publishing Details
A Woman On The Goldfields: Recollections of Emily Skinner 1854-1878
By (Author) Edward Duyker
Melbourne University Press
Melbourne University Press
1st September 1995
Australia
Classifications
Tertiary Education
Non Fiction
Mining technology and engineering
Extractive industries
622.342092
Physical Properties
Paperback
140
Width 156mm, Height 233mm, Spine 10mm
228g
Description
The first publication of the lively recollections of Emily Skinner, immigrant and miner's wife on the Ovens and Buckland goldfields. Emily Skinner, vibrant, observant, eternally young-at-heart, emigrated from Britain to Australia in 1854. Not only did she keep a ship-board journal, she later recorded her reminiscences of a colourful life as a miner's wife. Here, published for the first time, is Emily's account of a voyage half-way around the word to marry her sweetheart. She evokes wild storms, sea sickness, the malaise and boredom, the gossip and intrigue. Her impressions of the young town of Melbourne follow, as well as her recollections of what is now the town of Beechworth and the surrounding goldfields. Emily reaches across the years with her vivid descriptions contrasting the realities in her workday life-cooking, washing, childminding-with the wild dreams and aspirations of the miners. This personable account speaks to every reader as a refreshing and energetic story of a pioneering life which was tough and rigorous but always embraced.
Author Bio
Edward Duyker is a full-time writer and historian. His books include Tribal Guerrillas, The Dutch in Australia, An Officer of the Blue and The Discovery of Tasmania. He is co-editor of Daniel Solander- Collected Correspondence 1753-1782.
