Condition remarks:
Book: Good
Jacket: No dust jacket - some marks on spine and corners
Pages: Tanning and foxing
Markings: No markings

This compelling biography, Cole Of The Book Arcade: A Biography Of E.W. Cole, chronicles the extraordinary life of E.W. Cole, a visionary bookseller and social reformer who revolutionized Australian retail in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The narrative illuminates Cole's innovative business practices, his eccentric personality, and his profound impact on Melbourne's cultural landscape through his iconic Book Arcade. It presents a vivid portrait of a man whose entrepreneurial spirit and progressive ideals shaped an era, detailing his commitment to education, entertainment, and social justice. Turnley's work uncovers the intricate layers of Cole's public and private life, illustrating how his unique blend of commerce and philanthropy left an indelible mark on society. This authoritative account offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal period of Australian history through the lens of one of its most colorful figures.