A man of many parts : the life and times of Edward Charles Close, 1790-1866

Mittagong [N.S.W.] : Highland House Publications, 2016. Octavo, illustrated wrappers, pp. xiv, 172, illustrated.

“This lively narrative delves into the private and public worlds of Edward Charles Close, Father of the Hunter and one of the Duke of Wellington’s Men in Australia. Based on extensive use of primary sources in England and Australia, private family papers, and diaries and correspondence of contemporaries. Anne Beaumont brings to life a man whose contribution to New South Wales has been largely undervalued. His prolific output of sketches and paintings throughout his lifetime enhances this long overdue biography. Born in Bengal and raised to maturity on his uncle’s English estate, Edward Close served as lieutenant in the 48th Northhamptonshire Regiment of Foot for five years on the blood drenched battlefields of the Peninsula Wars. He arrived in New South Wales with his regiment in 1817, later resigning his commission and carving an estate from the wilderness with convict labour, and creating the private town of Morpeth. From soldier to settler Close created a world for himself which would have been impossible in England. While he was one of many who created the backbone of the colony, he stood above most because of his empathy, kindness and his practical Christianity that was long remembered by the community he ultimately served.”- the back cover.