Early Tasmania (ePub)

James Backhouse Walker (1841-1899) was a distinguished Australian historian and solicitor renowned for his scholarly contributions to the understanding of Tasmania's early colonial history. Born in Hobart Town, Van Diemen's Land, now known as Tasmania, Walker developed a deep interest in the island's past, which spurred a lifelong commitment to its study and documentation. A leading member of the Tasmanian public life, he was also involved with the Royal Society of Tasmania and held the position of vice-chancellor at the University of Tasmania.

Walker's seminal work, 'Early Tasmania', originally delivered as a series of lectures in 1895 and published posthumously in 1902, provides an invaluable narrative of the island from its earliest discovery by Europeans through to the period of convict transportation. His meticulous research and engaging prose offer readers an insightful glimpse into the formative years of Tasmania's society and governance. The depth of Walker's historical analysis and his dedication to authenticity establish him as a key figure in Tasmanian historiography, his works continuing to be referenced by scholars exploring the complexities of colonial Australian history. His literary style, characterized by precision and accessibility, reflects his passion for education and his desire to disseminate knowledge to a broad audience. Walker's legacy endures through his contributions to the historical narrative of Tasmania, and he is remembered as a significant scholar who enriched the understanding of his homeland's past.