Cassell’s  Picturesque Australasia A Four volume set, all first edition in slip case Edited by   Edward Ellis MORRIS Published by Cassell& Company Limited First edition 1889 -1890 ______________________________________________________________________ Summary These volumes provide an overview of the Commonwealth of Australia, including the main continent of Australia as well as Tasmania. Other islands and archipelagos of the Pacific such as Fiji, New Guinea, and New Zealand are also covered. The books give information on geography, the indigenous people (such as the Australian Aborigine, the Maori), the history of Australia and other Pacific islands, local flora and fauna, and natural phenomena. Coloured maps are included in the first few pages of each volume. About This Book Set This slip case set looks great, there are no tears, chips, or creases. No inscriptions. The plates and text pages are slightly browned on the edges, but otherwise good. Bindings and blocks are solid, tight and square. No missing, creased, stained, loose or damaged pages.  The individual volumes in the set are all hardcover, all 1st Edition, all with original publisher's green cloth binding with gilt lettering on cover and spine.  Four volumes complete with new spines - Volume 1 was published in 1889, while volumes 2-4 were published in 1890. Each volume measures 27 cm x 20. 5 cm x 3 cm.   Volume 1 is 310 pages, complete; eleven plates and black and white illustrations.  Volume 2: 309 pages, complete; eleven plates and black and white illustrations, complete.  Volume 3: 309 pages, complete; eleven plates and black and white illustrations, complete.  Volume 4: 308 pages, complete; eleven plates and black and white illustrations, complete.  The covers are all physically sound, but this is where their (the books) adventures started. They were located tightly in shelves but not together as a block.  They did not have a slip case then.  When the  Canberra firestorm swept through in 2020 many of their fellow books were burnt beyond recognition, those that didn’t burn, drowned as our fire brigade tried to save the home they were located in. They still have post traumatic stress disorder and some scars. Their spines were burnt off and some covers have scotch marks.  A forever reminder of what they endured. Months later we had them on the bookbinders surgical table, new life was breathed into them, they were given new spines (all of which were matched carefully) and received life rejuvenating attention. We not only saved all the front covers but also all the blind stamped rear covers. So here we are.  A complete set of Picturesque Australasia with a tale to tell and ready for the next 130 years.  Will you becomes their custodian? Please check pictures and don't hesitate to ask if you have any queries! 11