A good collection of lesser-known tidbits of Australian history, including the Sydney Cove lads terrorising the good people of San Francisco during the gold rush there, some of our illustrious bushrangers and some illustrious frauds. I had known of some of these stories before I picked this tome up but many readers wouldn't.

Of particular interest to me was the story surrounding the nineteenth century fears of a Russian invasion Growing up in seaside Adelaide I'd often pass the big old cannons of Fort Glanville, facing into the gulf, and I'd wonder what on earth their role would have been.

Good luck finding a copy but worth it if you do. ( )