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| australian
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The
Ned Kelly Encyclopaedia
Justin
Corfield
First
published 2003 by Lothian Books
With
this new addition to their titles, Lothian
Books is fast becoming the number one
publisher on all things Kelly. The length
and breadth of this publication is amazing.
While some entries draw a long bow, you
cannot fault the author’s ability
for research. It seems anything remotely
connected to the Kelly legend can be
found among the 525 pages — even
an entry for the ironoutlaw.com web
site! “Assembled
for the first time in one book are the
judges and lawyers, police officers and
informers, politicians and showmen, friends
and sympathisers, victims and admirers,
as well as the authors, painters, and
film-makers who have, one way or another,
been part of the Kelly story”.
Justin Corfield knows his stuff. My only
criticism would be leveled at the publisher
if they fail to publish a second edition
to allow for amendments and corrections.
If not, then the rating may need to be
reviewed... |
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Ned
Kelly
Lyn
Innes
First
published 2008 by Helm Information
While
we've seen this cover on numerous other
books, and the information inside has been
garnered from other publications (including
our beloved Australian
Son by Max Brown), overall the entire
package is well researched and cleverly
set out. For the curious student of history
this is a good read, but for the serious
Kelly buff I'm loath to recommend you buy
it – mainly due to the fact that it's priced
at £38
(that's about 90 Australian dollars!).
Link:
Icons Of Modern Culture |
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Ellen
Kelly
An
Historical Novel as told
by Ellen Kelly
Dagmar
Balcarek
First
published 1984 by Glen
Rowen Cobb & Co
Full
marks for the subject matter but only
a few Neddies for the content. Written
in a style closely resembling Ned and Joes
Jerilderie Letter (either by design or
accident), the idea to retell Ellens
story could have been quite fascinating.
I guess it still leaves the door wide
open for another attempt. And if you
are serious about selling a book get
a professional to design the front cover! |
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Australian
Bushrangers
The
Romance of Robbery
Sacha
Molitorisz
First
published 1998 by Murray
David Publishing
What
a rubbish title. Exactly what romance can
be found in being robbed? I found this
in a $5 or less bin at a local bookstore.
It probably should have been in the recycle
bin instead because all the information
contained within it's pages have been
said before. I wonder if Ms Molitorisz's
really believed she was furthering the
debate on nineteenth century Australian
bushranging, or was she just after a
quick buck? Either way, this book should
have stayed in China where it was printed. |
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Australia's
Greatest Folk Hero
King
Crawford
First
published
1993 by Crawford
& Crawford
"Exactly
what is the purpose of this book?" That
is exactly what I thought, after a friend
handed me a copy they had found in a discount
bin. It is a collection of poems and songs
arranged to highlight the plight of the
Kelly Gang. If you must read any of it
check out the foreword “...the
Kelly Gang was very much alive in the
minds of the people, so much so that
the variance of emotional reaction over
113 years since these events, remain
huge. We were even threatened in the
Street to leave it alone...” Its
a pity they didn't heed the warning! |
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Bushrangers
Heroes Or Villains
Edgar
Penzig F.A.I.H.A.
First
published
1998 by Tranter
Enterprises
God
this is awful. As a rule, self-publishers
are a vain lot and Mr Penzig is no exception,
even going as far as having his picture
adorn the cover. Penzig is an outright
apologist for the police. From Ben Hall
to Ned Kelly, he neatly labels all bushrangers
as villains. A simple approach from a
simple man. Penzigs writing is
naive and child like. As an example,
take the following passage pulled from
page 182:
In
Australia, where Democracy reigns,
the laws are made by the people for the
people. With this in mind the reader
will realize that
the roll of
the police force in any state is to see
that these laws are kept and not broken.
They are duty bound to enforce these
existing laws until they are changed
by parliament because of public or party
petition. Therefore it is completely
useless for members of the populace to
attack the police because they disagree
with some current law.
Ignoring the poor grammar,
and bad spelling, that insightful paragraph
is simply pathetic. I'm sure the SS were
only following orders! Penzig is either
an historical midget, unaware of events
such as Myall Creek, or he is a man whose
ego truly outstrips his supposed abilities.
By condoning the ruthless tactics of the
police forces of 19th century Australia
he also condones the mass slaughter of
hundreds of Aborigines at the hands of
these men in uniform. Not surprisingly,
Penzig makes no mention of the civilian
deaths at Glenrowan caused by the reckless
shooting by police. And what is it with
the initials F.A.I.H.A. after his name?
Well he wouldnt
have the brain to finish a History degree nothing
like giving yourself an honorary title. |
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0
out of 5 |
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| TEACHING
HISTORY |
While not everyone wants to read about Ned Kelly or the ANZACs or
even The Great Depression, we hope they
want to learn something about
Australian History. From the ex-Prime Minister
John Howard to a confused ex-NSW Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt
(see the 'ex' pattern here?) a number of politicians have jumped on the teaching history bandwagon. But at what
cost? From right wingers
to a multitude of meddling State Governments, it seems
everyone has an agenda. We'd like to let the readers decide
what is worth learning. Here at IronOutlaw.com we
present the facts, the fiction and everything in between. It
all adds to the experience and hopefully makes history an exciting
place to be while also proving it doesn't always have to be written by the victors.
[site map]
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| GO SHOPPING |
If you're looking for that perfect gift then head over to our shop where we have just landed Noelene Allen's new 248 page hardcover limited edition book Ellen: a woman of spirit for $34.95 plus postage ($8.95 Australia or $19.95 worldwide). All books are signed by the author and come with a bonus Ellen bookmark. Of course all the money we raise goes back in to building the world's greatest Ned Kelly web site.
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| FREE DOWNLOADS |
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Ellen: a woman of spirit
Chapters 1, 2 and 3
Australian Son
Chapters 1 and 2
Kelly Gang Round-Up
Bracken
Chapter
Ned: the
Exhibition
Chapters 1,
2 and 3 |
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