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The Kelly Gang unmasked Ian Macfarlane

The Kelly Gang unmasked By Ian Macfarlane

The Kelly Gang unmasked by Ian Macfarlane


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Summary

This controversial book re-examines the story of the Kelly Gang in fascinating detail and with many new insights. The mythology created by pro-Kelly writers is critically explored, unravelled, and often found wanting. Many missing official documents have been identified for the first time.

The Kelly Gang unmasked Summary

The Kelly Gang unmasked by Ian Macfarlane

This controversial new book forensically examines the myths about the Kelly Gang and will ignite fierce debate about their undeserved ranking as national heroes today.The book is entirely different to all earlier versions of the Kelly legend. It spells out the case against Ned and his gang carefully and in previously inaccessible detail. Seldom heard victims of the gang's activities at last have their say.The book examines hundreds of archival documents that fully expose the extent of the gang's murderous campaign against Victoria police, five of whom were shot. Many new factors and insights are presented, and the recent invention of Ned's NE Victoria 'republic' is debunked. In the various arguments for hero status, many 'facts' are cited or assumed - but are they truly facts? Or are they distortions (deliberate or accidental) that have twisted the Kelly story into today's improbable legend? The mythology created by pro-Kelly writers is critically explored, unravelled, and often found wanting. The book identifies many 'missing' official documents for the first time. The Kelly Gang story is fragmentary and full of holes at best. The missing documents add baffling question marks.

The Kelly Gang unmasked Reviews

'A damning history... mesmerising in its detail.' - Lesley McDowell, UK Independent, March 2014 'Ian MacFarlane's assiduous research provides a valuable antidote to those who would unthinkingly sentimentalize violent men.' - Sir Clive Sinclair, Times Literary Supplement, December 2013'... this work provides a fascinating insight into one of the great Australian sagas and sets many aspects of the story to rights."I found it to be a compelling read and I highly recommend it.' - Retired Chief Inspector Ralph Stavely, The Police Association Victoria Journal, November 2012To read the full review, click here.'The author - amoung other qualifications a long-experienced archivist - lays out for us all the known sources for the Kelly story, locates them for us, and offers his cool judgement on their value and veracity. Any Australian seriously interested in Ned Kelly needs MacFarlane at his elbow.' - Peter Ryan, Quadrant, March 2013 'This is not a balanced book, nor is it meant to be; MacFarlane positions himself (several times) in the anti-Kelly camp, as if the title were not clue enough.' - Clive Sinclair, Times Literary Supplement, December 2013 'Close examination of his developmental history and subsequent criminal behaviour reveals that Kelly was a violent and vindictive man who demonstrated prominent psychopathic features including pathological lying, callous lack of empathy for others and a parasitic lifestyle.' - Russ Scott & Ian MacFarlane, Ned Kelly - Stock Thief, Bank Robber,Murderer - Psychopath, Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, July 2014

About Ian Macfarlane

Ian MacFarlane is a former journalist, public relations consultant, radio broadcaster and musician. During twenty-one years at Public Record Office Victoria (Victoria's State Archives) he co-edited the Historical Records of Victoria series, a primary source documenting pioneer European settlement in Victoria. He later became familiar with the extensive archival records about the Ned Kelly Gang.

Table of Contents

Problems with archival recordsHow this book is structuredAcknowledgmentsChronology1. 'I am bullet proof. You can't hurt me.' 2. Organised rural crime and terror3. The killing ground at Stringybark Creek4. Forensic science investigations5. 'We shall all have to go to a bigger court than this.'6. Victoria Police actions defended7. The bitter aftertaste of the Kelly legendNotesSelect bibliographyIndex

Additional information

GOR011650140
9780195519662
0195519663
The Kelly Gang unmasked by Ian Macfarlane
Used - Like New
Paperback
Oxford University Press Australia
2012-09-21
248
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
The book has been read, but looks new. The book cover has no visible wear, and the dust jacket is included if applicable. No missing or damaged pages, no tears, possible very minimal creasing, no underlining or highlighting of text, and no writing in the margins

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