(From our Windmill Reporter.)
This publication has at last been most unexpectedly placed in my hands. It is a second edition of a work for which the same authors had found a great demand for, but which was only indifferently got up. The new plate is a vast improvement and causes the production to be much more pleasing to the eye.
On the top is an illustration, of most allegorical character. Two ships are scudding over the sea before a brisk wind, and immediately in front is a lady, very thinly clad, sitting on what appears to be a bag of flour, and having in her hand a skewer, on which two small snakes are impaled. Beside her is a cornucopia, which appears to be in a very distressed state, as the whole contents – consisting of a small sickle and a few bones – are just being discharged.
The thinly clad lady with the distressed cornucopia.
Two sheep are near, one of which is dozing, in a very philosophical manner, while the other is watching the first of the two ships, as though he had heavy bets on the race. At the same time his attitude is rather disrespectful to the spectator.
As a literary production this work is beyond all praise. The concise beauty of its style might teach a lesson to many a verbose bore. Without a word of unnecessary introduction, the spirited authors at once plunge in medias res.*
“On demand” comes with a most reliable degree of firmness; and then they proceed most emphatically, “We promise to pay,” while the abrupt yet determined manner in which “ONE POUND” thundered forth, absolutely electrifies a person unaccustomed to such language.
I have felt much pleasure in the perusal of this work, although the short time it was permitted to remain in my hands prevented me from doing full justice to its merits. The authors deserve encouragement, and will most likely obtain a ready circulation for this edition. Whatever may be the profits of the work, it may be safely said that the absorbing interests of its character will cause it to be sought with avidity.
I cannot conclude without noticing an omission on the part of the authors, in falling to transmit to me a gratuitous copy for review, according to literary custom. This, of course, was merely an oversight on their part, and I only mention it that it may not occur again.
*A narrative work beginning without introduction.”
The Moreton Bay Courier, Saturday 5 June 1852.
Moreton Bay and More 