2. Dexter, Caroline, 1819-1884.

Ladies almanack, 1858, the Southern Cross, or, Australian album and New Year's gift: the first ladies almanack published in the colonies. Respectfully inscribed to the ladies of Victoria by the authoress. (Melbourne: W. Calvert, 1858). From the collection of John Chapman, with his bookplate.

This beautiful example of Victorian publishing from the gold-rush era comes from the library of local book collector John Chapman. His books, noted for their fine condition, were sold at auction in Melbourne by Peter Arnold in 2004.

Caroline Dexter was living in Gippsland when she wrote this work. It provides the lady colonists with an almanac to use for the year, as well as poems and articles, in which we see a distinct sympathy for the Aboriginals. The book is illustrated by her husband, the artist, William Dexter. Caroline soon moved to Melbourne where she lived in Brighton and was prominent in the local artistic and literary scene.