Not your usual bushrangers by Peter Macinnis

Five Mile Press, 2015. ISBN: 9781760065690
Highly recommended. Many years ago my dad handed me a copy of Frank Clune's The Wild Colonial Boys saying 'You should read this.' - a common occurrence as we shared both a literary taste and an interest in colonial history. From that moment I was hooked well and truly on the exploits of the Australian bushrangers.
I never imagined that I would have the privilege of reviewing of latest book from super-clever-clogs and fascinating writer/historian/scientist Peter Macinnis. And yes, I would describe him as such even if he wasn't a friend of mine!
Peter takes us on a journey through the entire span of Australia's bushranging history, rather than the focus being on just a few well-known names. While I have been to Ben Hall's grave and to Melbourne Gaol where Ned Kelly was hung and Thunderbolt's Rock, amongst other significant sites, I have never heard of most of the rogues and scallywags Peter writes about in this entertaining account. And that of course, is the entire point.
Beginning with those early convict 'bolters' (who perhaps aren't how we would now define bushrangers) right up to some youths in the post Great War years trying their hand at the 'game', Peter traces the development of the Antipodean highwaymen (and women!) with an engaging and often humorous slant.
As always, his work is meticulously researched and in his searching he has uncovered many interesting original documents and reports which examine the contemporary records, attitudes and consequences of all stakeholders.
And naturally, although the bushrangers are the focus of the book, the reader also gains a real insight into colonial Australia from the time of European invasion to the early 20th century.
While primarily aimed at an adult audience, this is a book which would sit easily in a school library as a reference point for those units dealing with Australia's history since the White colonisation as it is written in a very accessible style.
I can highly recommend this history for both your school library and for your own personal reading. Definitely a winner and worth bailing up your local bookseller!
Sue Warren