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Hanging Ned Kelly
Elijah Upjohn, the hangmen and the underbelly of colonial Australia
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Hanging Ned Kelly
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See moreA fresh, unique take on Ned Kelly - a fascinating, entertaining and kaleidoscopic look at the society that shaped him in life and death
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
When it came time to hang Ned Kelly, the job fell to shit-shoveller-turned-quack-doctor-turned-drunken-chicken-thief Elijah Upjohn. Such is life indeed.
Hanging Ned Kelly looks at the life and demise of Australia's most famous antihero from a new perspective: that of the vagabond who finally put the noose around his neck. Elijah Upjohn was the latest in a long line of flogging hangmen allowed to run amok because they'd do the dirty work that let officials keep their hands clean. Upjohn and his fellow boozing bunglers were so hated they were hunted by angry mobs, causing one writer to ask, 'Who shall hang the hangman?'
In Hanging Ned Kelly, Elijah Upjohn's tale becomes the rusty scalpel that slices open the underbelly of colonial Victoria. Written by Michael Adams, creator of the acclaimed podcast Forgotten Australia and author of The Murder Squad, this is an odyssey into an infernal underworld seething with serial killers, clueless cops, larrikin vigilantes and furious fallen women. Looming over them all: the depraved hangmen paid to execute convicted men and women in Melbourne before it was marvellous.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Hanging Ned Kelly by Michael Adams delves into the life and eventual execution of the infamous Australian bushranger Ned Kelly, offering an intricate glimpse into the socio-political landscape of 19th-century Australia. The biography is praised for its detailed research, painting a vivid picture of the era and the contentious figure of Kelly. Reviews highlight its engaging narrative, historical insights, and the way it captures the tension between Kelly's criminal actions and his folk hero status.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781922992185
Publisher: Affirm Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 28 November 2023
Country: Australia
Imprint: Affirm Press
DIMENSIONS
Width: 128.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 384
About the Author
Michael Adams has worked as a magazine journalist and editor, and a television scriptwriter, producer and presenter. He is the author of fifteen books, including The Murder Squad, and is the creator and host of the podcast Forgotten Australia.
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