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AbstractHistoryArchive Description
'Under the Rainbow is the life story of E.W. Cole, a colourful and much loved figure of 19th century Melbourne. Best remembered for his Funny Picture Books, his sense of the absurd and his marketing genius, his wonderful arcade was the first 'department store' in Melbourne, replete with a live orchestra, an aviary and monkeys alongside books, ornaments, art, curios and tearooms.
'But there was more to Cole than his merchandising prowess- he scandalised the clergy with his sacrilegious views about Christianity, campaigned passionately against the White Australia policy, and advocated education for all.
'Cole's journey from an impoverished sandwich seller on the streets of London to owner of one of the most memorable establishments of early Melbourne is remarkable. His passion for learning, insatiable curiosity, and enduring faith in the essential goodness of humanity make him a figure worth celebrating.
'More than 100 years after his death, Cole's story is a timely reminder that a little bit of goodness can go a long way.' (Publication summary)
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Works about this Work
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[Review] 'Under the Rainbow : The Life and Times of EW Cole by Richard Broinowski' and 'The Grandest Bookshop in the World' by Amelia Mellor
2021
single work
review
— Appears in: Biblionews and Australian Notes and Queries , March no. 409 2021;
— Review of Under the Rainbow : The Life and Times of E.W. Cole 2020 single work biography ; The Grandest Bookshop in the World 2020 single work children's fiction -
Read, Learn, Buy! : Australia's Most Extraordinary Bookseller
2020
single work
review
— Appears in: Australian Book Review , October no. 425 2020; (p. 42-43)
— Review of Under the Rainbow : The Life and Times of E.W. Cole 2020 single work biography'Melburnians above a certain age will remember Coles in Bourke Street. Unknown to most of them, it stood on the site of another Coles, Cole’s Book Arcade, for half a century probably the most famous shop in Australia. Its founder, Edward William Cole, is now the subject of an engaging biography by Richard Broinowski.' (Introduction)
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Read, Learn, Buy! : Australia's Most Extraordinary Bookseller
2020
single work
review
— Appears in: Australian Book Review , October no. 425 2020; (p. 42-43)
— Review of Under the Rainbow : The Life and Times of E.W. Cole 2020 single work biography'Melburnians above a certain age will remember Coles in Bourke Street. Unknown to most of them, it stood on the site of another Coles, Cole’s Book Arcade, for half a century probably the most famous shop in Australia. Its founder, Edward William Cole, is now the subject of an engaging biography by Richard Broinowski.' (Introduction)
-
[Review] 'Under the Rainbow : The Life and Times of EW Cole by Richard Broinowski' and 'The Grandest Bookshop in the World' by Amelia Mellor
2021
single work
review
— Appears in: Biblionews and Australian Notes and Queries , March no. 409 2021;
— Review of Under the Rainbow : The Life and Times of E.W. Cole 2020 single work biography ; The Grandest Bookshop in the World 2020 single work children's fiction
Awards
- 2021 joint winner Victorian Community History Award — Judges’ Special Prize