Hume Nisbet

James Hume Nisbet (1849 -1923) was a Scottish-born novelist and artist. Many of his thrillers are set in Australia. Nisbet devoted most of his time to writing. He produced many volumes of verse, books on art and fiction. Several of his novels are coloured by his Australian experiences and appear to have had some success. Miller in his Australian Literature lists about 40 novels published between 1888 and 1905. During the next 10 years he published a few more books, including Hathor and Other Poems, which appeared as the first volume of his poetic and dramatic works in 1905. There was another edition in 1908. Many of Nisbet's volumes were of ghost stories. These include Paths of the Dead (1899), Stories Weird and Wonderful (1900), and The Haunted Station (1894) .

Unlock the secrets of artistic inspiration with "Where Art Begins" by Hume Nisbet, a timeless masterpiece that has been out of print for decades and is now beautifully restored by Alpha Editions. This collector's item is not just a reprint; it's a cultural treasure, meticulously revived for today's and future generations. Dive into the heart of creativity as Nisbet explores the profound connection between art and the human spirit, offering insights that resonate as powerfully today as they did when first penned. With eloquent prose and captivating anecdotes, Nisbet guides readers through the landscapes of imagination, revealing the essence of artistic expression. Whether you're a casual reader or a devoted collector of classic literature, this edition promises to enrich your understanding of where true art begins. Experience the allure of a book that transcends time, inviting you to explore the depths of creativity and the boundless possibilities of the artistic mind. Don't miss the chance to own a piece of literary history, lovingly restored for those who cherish the enduring power of art.

The Jolly Roger: A Story of Sea Heroes and Pirates (1891) is a novel by Hume Nisbet. Published at the beginning of his career as a leading ghost story writer of the Victorian era, The Jolly Roger: A Story of Sea Heroes and Pirates is a tale of adventure inspired by the author’s travels in Papua New Guinea. Largely unknown by today’s audience, Hume Nisbet was a versatile writer whose experiences as an artist and traveler inform his wide-ranging body of work. From the mind of one of Victorian England’s finest popular fiction writers comes a tale of swashbuckling adventure set during the tumultuous reign of King James I. The story opens on the island of Laverne, a notorious pirate stronghold set in protective waters along the coast of South America. From there, a group of brave and impossibly bold pirates embarks on a journey in search of fortune across the Spanish Main. Along the way, they nearly succumb to the wiles of a thousand-year-old witch, perhaps the most memorable of Nisbet’s creations, but certainly not the most terrifying. With scant source material, the author summons an era of wonder and discovery for modern day readers, a feat which depends in no small part upon his own adventures on the islands of the South Sea. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Hume Nisbet’s The Jolly Roger: A Story of Sea Heroes and Pirates is a classic of Victorian fiction reimagined for modern readers.

A Sweet Sinner (1897) is a novel by Hume Nisbet. Published at the height of his career as a leading ghost story writer of the Victorian era, A Sweet Sinner is a tale of romance and temptation written in the tradition of the sensation novel. Largely unknown by today’s audience, Hume Nisbet was a versatile writer whose experiences as an artist and traveler inform his wide-ranging body of work. “Miss Kate Keath is her name, the only child and heiress of a wealthy and retired Australian squatter, who for the past twelve months has taken up his abode in the suburbs of his most ancient, picturesque, and historical Castletown. Miss Kate was a native of New South Wales, and till her fifteenth year had passed all her days in that sunny climate…” After an idyllic youth in Australia, Miss Kate Keath moves to Scotland to complete her education. Although she shows little promise as a painter, her teacher Jamie Glen finds himself drawn to her remarkable beauty and endeavors to show patience to her always. At her family’s castle in the heather-streaked highlands, their lesson is interrupted by the sudden arrival of Havelock Gordon, a handsome young man with mysterious intentions and palpable contempt for Jamie. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Hume Nisbet’s A Sweet Sinner is a classic of Victorian fiction reimagined for modern readers.

A Sweet Sinner (1897) is a novel by Hume Nisbet. Published at the height of his career as a leading ghost story writer of the Victorian era, A Sweet Sinner is a tale of romance and temptation written in the tradition of the sensation novel. Largely unknown by today’s audience, Hume Nisbet was a versatile writer whose experiences as an artist and traveler inform his wide-ranging body of work. “Miss Kate Keath is her name, the only child and heiress of a wealthy and retired Australian squatter, who for the past twelve months has taken up his abode in the suburbs of his most ancient, picturesque, and historical Castletown. Miss Kate was a native of New South Wales, and till her fifteenth year had passed all her days in that sunny climate…” After an idyllic youth in Australia, Miss Kate Keath moves to Scotland to complete her education. Although she shows little promise as a painter, her teacher Jamie Glen finds himself drawn to her remarkable beauty and endeavors to show patience to her always. At her family’s castle in the heather-streaked highlands, their lesson is interrupted by the sudden arrival of Havelock Gordon, a handsome young man with mysterious intentions and palpable contempt for Jamie. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Hume Nisbet’s A Sweet Sinner is a classic of Victorian fiction reimagined for modern readers.

The Jolly Roger: A Story of Sea Heroes and Pirates (1891) is a novel by Hume Nisbet. Published at the beginning of his career as a leading ghost story writer of the Victorian era, The Jolly Roger: A Story of Sea Heroes and Pirates is a tale of adventure inspired by the author’s travels in Papua New Guinea. Largely unknown by today’s audience, Hume Nisbet was a versatile writer whose experiences as an artist and traveler inform his wide-ranging body of work. From the mind of one of Victorian England’s finest popular fiction writers comes a tale of swashbuckling adventure set during the tumultuous reign of King James I. The story opens on the island of Laverne, a notorious pirate stronghold set in protective waters along the coast of South America. From there, a group of brave and impossibly bold pirates embarks on a journey in search of fortune across the Spanish Main. Along the way, they nearly succumb to the wiles of a thousand-year-old witch, perhaps the most memorable of Nisbet’s creations, but certainly not the most terrifying. With scant source material, the author summons an era of wonder and discovery for modern day readers, a feat which depends in no small part upon his own adventures on the islands of the South Sea. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Hume Nisbet’s The Jolly Roger: A Story of Sea Heroes and Pirates is a classic of Victorian fiction reimagined for modern readers.

"Lessons in Art" is a fantastic vintage guide to drawing and illustration written by Hume Nisbet. James Hume Nisbet (1849 - 1923) was a Scottish-born artist and novel writer famous for his thrillers set in Australia. Contents include: "Drawing Materials", "Perpendicular, Horizontal and Slanting Lines", "Ornamental Drawing", "Drawing from Nature", "Rules of Perspective", "Measuring Tree- Work, &c", "Proportions of the Human Figure", "On Shading", "Charcoal Drawing", "Pen and Ink Etching", etc. Other notable works by this author include: "The Land of the Hibiscus Blossom: A Yarn of the Papuan Gulf" (1888), "Doctor Bernard St. Vincent: A Sensational Romance of Sydney" (1889), and "Ashes: A Tale of Two Spheres" (1890). Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in a modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new introduction on drawing and illustration.

Oil painting refers to the technique of painting using pigments together with a medium of drying oil as the binder. Common drying oils used include poppy seed oil, linseed oil, walnut oil, and safflower oil. This vintage book contains a complete guide to oil painting for artists new and old, offering them information on materials and tools, as well as simple instructions that will walk the reader through the first steps to becoming a competent oil painter. Contents include: "How to Approach the Subject", "On General Drawing and Planning Out", "Materials Recommended", "First Working of Figure Subjects", "The Practice of Still Life and the Copying of Good Pictures for Style", "The First Working in Colour of Figure Subjects", etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in a modern, high-quality edition complete with the original text and artwork.

Reproduction of the original: Where Art begins by Hume Nisbet

Reproduction of the original: Where Art begins by Hume Nisbet

LAST year, while travelling over Australasia collecting material for a work then being prepared, I thought to score a point for my firm while up in Northern Queensland by visiting that as yet considerably dark island, New Guinea. The Melbourne editor and agent at once consented to my proposal, and considered, with me, that it would be of great advantage to the work if I could make my notes and sketches from the savages and their land direct, if I thought it was worth risking my life for; but was it after all worth the risk? In Australia, New Guinea is a name to inspire fear and trembling; they are much nearer to the dreaded cannibals, and hear more of their deeds of atrocity than we in England are and do. Tales of death from fever to those who luckily escape the spears and poisoned arrows float down monthly. "God help you if you go to that fever-stricken land," wrote a Victorian friend, by way of farewell.

LAST year, while travelling over Australasia collecting material for a work then being prepared, I thought to score a point for my firm while up in Northern Queensland by visiting that as yet considerably dark island, New Guinea. The Melbourne editor and agent at once consented to my proposal, and considered, with me, that it would be of great advantage to the work if I could make my notes and sketches from the savages and their land direct, if I thought it was worth risking my life for; but was it after all worth the risk? In Australia, New Guinea is a name to inspire fear and trembling; they are much nearer to the dreaded cannibals, and hear more of their deeds of atrocity than we in England are and do. Tales of death from fever to those who luckily escape the spears and poisoned arrows float down monthly. "God help you if you go to that fever-stricken land," wrote a Victorian friend, by way of farewell.

I HAVE to thank the following gentlemen for the prompt and hearty assistance which they have given me in books, maps, and personal information about West Australia and its Goldfields at the present hour. Having taken full advantage of such valuable information, I trust that the reader will find this romance correct in its local colouring and statistics. To Mr. Albert F. Calvert, M. E., F. R. G. S., &c., &c., Author of "The Exploration of Australia"; "Western Australia and its Goldfields"; Editor and Proprietor of The West Australian Review, for his magnificent and exhaustive works and maps.

James Hume Nisbet (August 8, 1849 - June 4, 1923) was a Scottish-Australian author and artist. Nisbet was born at Stirling, Scotland. At 16 years of age he came to Australia and stayed about seven years, during which he travelled widely. On returning to Scotland he was for eight years art master in the Watt College and the old school of arts. He travelled in Australia and New Guinea again during 1886, and paid another visit to Australia in 1895. He had studied painting under Sam Bough, R. S. A., but does not appear to have had any success; in a volume called Where Art Begins, published by him in 1892, he speaks with bitterness on the chances of success in painting. He gave most of his time to writing and published many volumes of verse, books on art and fiction. Several of his novels are coloured by his Australian experiences and appear to have had some success. Miller in his Australian Literature lists about 40 novels published between 1888 and 1905.