1848 Pilgrim’s Progress John Rockliff’s Copy Sassafras Tasmania Local History
An intriguing item of North West Tasmanian family history: John Rockliff’s personal copy of John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, associated with the Rockliff family of Sassafras.
Published by Thomas Nelson, London and Edinburgh, 1848, this illustrated edition includes Mason’s notes and retains its decorative blind-stamped cloth boards with gilt spine lettering.
The book contains personal inscriptions and handwritten passages in John Rockliff’s hand, including a substantial passage copied from the printed text. These additions give the volume a particularly personal character and interest beyond the printed book itself.
A handwritten ownership inscription at the rear reads:
“John Rockliff
Kirk Smeaton
July 17th 1851
York Shire”
This is followed by a pointed warning to any prospective book thief:
“Remember the 8th Commandment
Do not Steal”
Beneath this is a further handwritten verse beginning “Steal not this Book for fear…”, incorporating his name.
The Yorkshire inscription provides an appealing connection between the owner’s English background and the book’s later association with the Sassafras-based family in Tasmania.
An interesting acquisition for Rockliff descendants, family historians, and collectors of Sassafras, Latrobe district and North West Coast Tasmanian memorabilia. The book itself is a religious work; its local history interest lies in its ownership and handwritten inscriptions.
Details
* Author: John Bunyan
* Title: The Pilgrim’s Progress
* Edition: With Mason’s Notes
* Publisher: Thomas Nelson, London and Edinburgh
* Publication date: 1848
* Binding: Decorative cloth hardcover
* Ownership inscription: John Rockliff, Kirk Smeaton, Yorkshire, dated 1851
Condition
A well-used nineteenth-century volume with substantial wear. The cloth is rubbed, marked and faded, with splitting along the spine edges, fraying and losses at the head and foot of the spine, and worn corners. Internally there is age toning, foxing, staining, and wear and tears to some page edges. The photographed opening shows separation at the gutter. Handwritten inscriptions and additional ownership writing are present.
Completeness has not been verified. Offered principally for its personal provenance and local historical interest. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.
Postage
Carefully packed for shipping. Combined postage is available where practical; please request a combined invoice before payment.
International buyers: Import duties, taxes and charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
USA buyers: Please wait for an invoice before paying, as applicable duty is added when the parcel is lodged in Australia.