In the early years of European settlement in New South Wales, new arrivals were mainly convicts, the military and government officials. It was not until the 1830s that immigrants began to outnumber convicts as new arrivals. In New South Wales mounting opposition to convict transportation led to its abolition in 1840. The colony was increasingly being seen as a place of opportunity as opposed to a prison colony. A person of relatively modest means could establish themselves and own land - an unlikely prospect for many in Great Britain or Ireland.
From the earliest years European impressions of the colony were shaped by written accounts and art works. Eventually attractive books of coloured plates or engravings by artists such as Joseph Lycett were published. They showed both the 'civilisation' and the natural wealth and potential of the Australian colonies. From the 1820s an increasing number of specific 'emigrant's guides' were written outlining the prospects for farming and commerce. These often contained coloured plates and engravings.
In 1838 Sydney publisher James Maclehose decided to produce his own immigrant's guide which he called 'Picture of Sydney and Strangers' Guide in N.S.W.' He hoped it would assist with the development of 'respectable emigration'. In it Maclehose included useful advice on coping with the voyage out, what to do upon arrival and what was needed to become established in agriculture, commerce or skilled trade. There was even a section titled 'hints to convicts'. This subject matter suggests that the book was also sold in Great Britain to prospective immigrants.
Much of the book provided a written and pictorial guide or 'picture' of Sydney and the counties around the town. To enhance the text, Maclehose enlisted the services of local engraver, James Carmichael, who produced 42 engravings of scenes and buildings in Sydney and its hinterland. Carmichael had completed his own book of engravings 'Select Views of Sydney, New South Wales' in 1829. Maclehose's work included a history of the colony and an account of the Aborigines of the area which repeated most of the racial ideas and prejudices of the time. The book was reprinted with almost no revision in a second edition in 1839. Because it was produced in relatively large numbers it has become one of the best known of the early colonial immigrant guides.
This is a copy of the 1839 imprint. It is a tall octavo format book with purple morocco leather binding and gilt. There is a fold out map of Sydney town in the front produced by the Government Surveyor. In this copy of the Guide, the map has been annotated by a contemporary owner who has marked out a walking path and noted the names and addresses of several acquaintances. The owner's dwelling is pointed out on the engraving of Billy Blue's Cottage and a derogatory engraving of Aborigines is endorsed by a handwritten comment.
James Maclehose was a Scottish immigrant who took advantage of the growing British interest in the economic opportunities of migrating to Australia. He published 'Picture of Sydney' in 1838 and 1839. His address is listed in the frontspiece as 6 Hunter Street, Sydney.
John Carmichael was a well-known engraver who had already published his own 'Select Views of Sydney' and done graphic work for local newspapers. His work in 'Picture of Sydney' is his best known.
Some plates are initialled J.C.SD, others are marked 'Designed and etched by J.Carmichael'.
An adhesive label inside the front endpiece reads 'ANGUS & ROBERTSON, / 89 CASTLEREAGH ST., SYDNEY / BETWEEN KING & MARKET STS.' Another adhesive label is printed, in black, with the following, 'G.H. Hammersley. Sydney'.
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