WA’s Hesperian Press has just published a 732-page book of exploration diaries and reports on the Kimberley, titled ‘Closing in on the Kimberley, 1819–1884.’ This colour illustrated volume, the first of three projected on the Kimberley, comes near the end of a much larger series of original historical documents within the ‘Western Australia Explorers’ Diaries Project’, or WAEDP. Hesperian began series publication in 2005. I am the principal editor of the Kimberley volumes.
Preparation of the second Kimberley volume, diaries covering the period 1884–1904, is well advanced. Many of the documents to be published are handwritten, and in variable states of clarity and preservation. In order to retain a high standard of accuracy, the WAEDP project requires that each document be read and the transcribed copy corrected by three separate trained proof readers and then incrementally corrected by myself.
Hesperian Press and I need new proof readers, to be trained and unleashed shortly on raw materials. Chief skills required are an ability to read cursive script of the era, patience, insight and dedication.
There is no payment and no timetable. Personal rewards are merely intimate involvement with original documents concerning WA history and personal satisfaction. My sole reward for the past eight years is a hard copy of the book (initial cover above; with the first copy arriving last Monday 31st October; $220, costs hard cover).
If you are interested in learning more about how to become a WAEDP proof reader, please contact me using email address: probusperth@gmail.com
Ned Overton, 8 November 2022.
The Probus Club of Perth Inc. 