Author(s): Jim Haynes

Australiana

An incredible collection of true crime characters from Australia's master storyteller. The bold, the bad and the slightly mad . . . in Great Australian Rascals, Rogues and Ratbags, Jim Haynes brings us fifteen larger-than-life Aussies - some of the greatest, and most unknown, ne'er do wells from Australia's history, from colonial times to the modern era, telling their truths and exposing the myths. The characters range from the most despicable examples of humanity to those whose courage has to be admired and whose so-called 'crimes' were unjustly punished. This fascinating collection of criminals features amazing figures from Australia's underbelly since 1788, such as the convict Mary Bryant, who in 1791 escaped from the Sydney penal settlement and somehow made it back to England; James Hardy Vaux, who was sent to Australia no less than three times; Henry James O'Farrell, the madman who attempted to murder Prince Alfred in Sydney in 1868; and decorated World War I hero John Leak, who was also repeatedly charged with insolence, disobedience and being absent without leave. Told with Jim's inimitable combination of Australiana, history and humour, Great Australian Rascals, Rogues and Ratbags is packed with murders, mystery and miscreants, and is perfect for all fans of Australian history and true crime.