Cyclopedia of Western Australia


The Cyclopedia of Western Australia, edited by James Battye, was the pre-eminent written summary of Western Australia's development and context prior to World War I.

Review of progress

It was created at a time that saw progress, and was subtitled:
Contemporary reviews before and after publication reflected this sense. A similar review of the state of Western Australia would appear in publications at the centenary of the state in 1929.

Publication details

Several editions have been produced.
;Volume 1:
Aborigines, Agriculture, Biographies, Commerce and Industry, Fauna and Flora, Geology, Government, History of Western Australia, Immigration, Tourism, Lands department, Medical, Fremantle, Perth, Police, The Press, Public services, Railways, Trans-Australian Railway, Shipping, Suburban Municipalities, Telegraph and Telephone, Trade and Customs, Woods and Forests.
;Volume 2:
Agriculture, Churches and Ecclesiastical, Caves of WA, Mining, Hospitals, Schools and Education, Country Districts, Cities and suburbs, Dairying, Farming, Institutions, Explorers and exploration, Political parties, Pearling, Biographical index, Sporting and recreation.