The Last Outlaw
Les Carlton
First published 1980 by HSV7

This is probably the best $2.50 I, well probably my mum, has ever spent back in 1980. It details the making of the most impressive Ned Kelly drama ever. The attention to detail was amazing, then again what more would you expect when you see that the credits included Ian Jones and Bronwyn Binns. If you spot this magazine buy it, they're scarce as hen's teeth!

Ned Kelly
Elizabethan Theatre Newtown
First published 1956

This is the original theatre programme for the Elizabethan Theatre play Ned Kelly by Douglas Stewart. As a piece of Kelly literature this brochure is priceless (well worth the $35 I paid for it). It makes for fascinating reading, especially considering the play was cancelled not long into it’s season. For a more detailed look at the play head over to our Theatre section.

Ned Kelly Centenary Festival
Festival director Peter Galvin
First published 1980 by New Chum Promotions

Forget Woodstock in the 60’s! Arr, to be back at Winton in 1980. This would have been a Kelly enthusiasts dream to wander the dusty showground sampling the delights of the Centenary Festival. Oh well, at least I have the program to pour over!

Ned Kelly
The Weekly Times
First published 1980 by The Herald and Weekly Times Ltd

This tabloid sized magazine recorded "the events that made the man a legend, as reported at the time in picture and story in The Weekly Times and The Australasian Sketcher". The front cover features artist Thomas Carrington, who went to Glenrowan to illustrate events, and titled this on-the-spot sketch "Ned Kelly at Bay". The drawing first appeared on the front page of The Australasian Sketcher dated Saturday, July 3rd 1880. Add this to your collection if you can find a copy.

Kelly Culture
Reconstructing Ned Kelly
Beth Dolan
First published 2003 by State Library of Victoria

As the catalogue for the Library’s Ned Kelly exhibition, at five dollars a booklet, this is a must have. While the insipid cover belies a treasure trove of information, the publication does forget to list any online resources. Obviously the internet doesn’t rate too highly at the State Library of Victoria. So as Redmond Barry stands outside in the freezing cold of another Melbourne winter, inside the Library his nemesis Edward Kelly continues to attract the public’s attention.

Ned Kelly In Pictures
Les Carlton
First published 1980 by Southdown Press

For the uninitiated, this magazine is a great introduction to the legend of the Kelly Gang. It features over 50 original photographs and line drawings. The narrative gives an overview to the Kelly uprising and should hopefully ignite the readers interest to follow up with some in-depth research such as Max Browns' great piece of literacy work Australian Son.

Bold Ned Kelly
Johnson and Turner
First published 1977 by The Jabiru Press

As the intro states "Activity books for young Australians which are carefully designed for children between the ages of 8 and 11 to stimulate their interest in the country in which they live by encouraging them to participate directly in the discovery of information about it". In other words, a Ned Kelly colouring in book. Great!

Ned Kelly
Beyond The Legend
legendofnedkelly.com
First published 2003 by BBMT Promotions Pty Ltd

This multi-faceted publication contains a wealth of Kellyana information and is a perfect starting point for anyone interested in studying the phenomenon that is Ned Kelly. School children in particular will find this a valuable resource for any upcoming history assignments. Although sporting images pulled directly from Ned: The Exhibition (many uncredited from the lens of Matt Deller) the purchase cost alone is enough to make you want to buy a copy.

Ned Kelly Country
Greg Powell
First published 1997 by Robert Brown and Associates

A well documented publication outlining the various environs relating to the Kelly Gang. Backed up by numerous colour photographs (most featuring the wife and kids), this magazine is a must for anyone setting out in search of the once hidden trails along Kelly Country. Just don’t take Powell’s map skills as the gospel.

Men Of Iron
National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
First published 1998 by The Herald Sun

A bare bones but highly educational catalogue showcasing the Men Of Iron exhibition held at the Old Melbourne Gaol between October 1998 and January 1999. The suits may have been more muddled than George W. Bush, but the Sidney Nolan drawings made the event a must see.

Bushrangers
Models by Derek Brown
Written by Sheena Coupe
First published 1984 by Ashton Scholastic

The concept of this book is to pop out cardboard models and recreate bushranging scenes. The idea works well, even though the Steve Hart listed never sported a beard. While Sheena Coupe couldn’t write to save herself, Derek Brown’s illustrations are well constructed and bump up our rating from a zero (if we had to rely on Coupe’s poor grasp of Australian history) to three out of five.

Ned Kelly & His Gang
Bryce Courtenay
First published 1997 by Kidcorp Pty Ltd

Aimed at primary school children (judging by the illustrations), this booklet could be procured when purchasing a Cadbury block of chocolate (any excuse). The “history lesson” given by it’s author Bryce Courtenay has more holes in it than an Aero Bar. But then again if you want to learn about the real Ned Kelly you’re not going to get far looking inside a chocolate bar (or in the pages of Carey’s book either). Still, if you come across a copy it’s worth a two minute read.

The False Impressionists 3
Written and published by Imaginate
July 2002

Continuing the story from Issue 2, our time travellers manage to escape the buring inn — unfortunately. This story is as convulted as the illustrations supporting it. Once again don’t expect to find this comic in your local newsagency.

The False Impressionists 2
Written and published by Imaginate
December 1997

An Australian comic book  that introduces us to (in issue 2), the Kelly Gang through some sort of weird time travelling experience. Don't expect to find this comic in your local newsagency.