Edward Abbott is somewhat of an unlikely candidate to carry the title of Australia's first cookery book author. Born in New South Wales in 1801, Abbott spent most of his childhood in Parramatta. His father was a magistrate, and later, after a short stint back in England, Edward Abbott Senior was appointed to preside over the first Lieutenant-Governor's court in Van Diemen's Land.
Abbott worked for his father as a clerk, later founded the Hobart Town Advertiser, and was a member of Tasmania's parliament. He was a prolific collector of information. During his time as owner of the Hobart Town Advertiser, his interest in food and cookery, eating and drinking became apparent, and he collected all manner of gastronomic ephemera.
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