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Convicts, Crimes and Tragic Times: Dark Days of Old Australia
Behind the birth of a nation lies a brutal, lawless world where crime, punishment, and desperation ruled — and shaped the Australia we know today.
This gripping true crime collection unearths the darkest chapters of Australia’s colonial past. From the savage penal colonies to the violent gold rush, these stories reveal the human cost behind the nation’s rise — tales of ruthless executioners, bungled robberies, heart-wrenching justice, and mysterious disappearances.
From the brutal penal colonies to the feverish gold rush that brought both immense wealth and unimaginable suffering, the book explores the paradoxes that defined the young nation. Meet William Bamford, the one-eyed executioner who survived a savage whipping only to become a figure of dread at Melbourne Gaol. Discover the bungled bank robbery of Joseph Wells, whose tragic end on the gallows highlights the desperation of the era. Witness the emotional complexity of Justice Redmond Barry, a judge who once wept as he sentenced a man to death, yet showed no mercy to the infamous Ned Kelly.
Within these pages, you will find tales of mutinies, disappearances, poisonings, and even ‘baby-farming’ — dark episodes often forgotten but essential to understanding the foundations of modern Australia. Convicts, Crimes and Tragic Times offers a vivid window into the tumultuous, often tragic, past that shaped the nation’s destiny.
‘A chilling window into Australia’s dark origins.’
A vivid resurrection of Australia’s lawless past.’
This gripping true crime collection unearths the darkest chapters of Australia’s colonial past. From the savage penal colonies to the violent gold rush, these stories reveal the human cost behind the nation’s rise — tales of ruthless executioners, bungled robberies, heart-wrenching justice, and mysterious disappearances.
From the brutal penal colonies to the feverish gold rush that brought both immense wealth and unimaginable suffering, the book explores the paradoxes that defined the young nation. Meet William Bamford, the one-eyed executioner who survived a savage whipping only to become a figure of dread at Melbourne Gaol. Discover the bungled bank robbery of Joseph Wells, whose tragic end on the gallows highlights the desperation of the era. Witness the emotional complexity of Justice Redmond Barry, a judge who once wept as he sentenced a man to death, yet showed no mercy to the infamous Ned Kelly.
Within these pages, you will find tales of mutinies, disappearances, poisonings, and even ‘baby-farming’ — dark episodes often forgotten but essential to understanding the foundations of modern Australia. Convicts, Crimes and Tragic Times offers a vivid window into the tumultuous, often tragic, past that shaped the nation’s destiny.
‘A chilling window into Australia’s dark origins.’
A vivid resurrection of Australia’s lawless past.’
532 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 17, 2026
Reviewed by Nan van Dissel for Bluewolf Reviews and Big Sky Publishing.
Although white settlement of Australia has been relatively short there have been many colourful characters who have been involved in the events which have shaped this country’s destiny.
Historian and author Tony Matthews’s latest meticulously researched book “Convicts, Crimes and Tragic Times Dark Days of Old Australia” not only gives the reader insight into some of these long-forgotten heroes and villains and their illegal activities but also into savage nineteenth century justice.
Thanks to the author, many of these long-lost stories, which form the essence of Australia’s dramatically wild and colourful past, have been rediscovered.
Readers are transported to Australia’s colonial era, as they read some fascinating true crime cases from these times the author has unearthed. Not only stories of evil villains, ruthless executers, and harsh judges but also of those who have taken the wrong turn or made a mistake; these he has vividly and methodically documented.
This book is a must read for those interested in Australia’s lawless past and the forces which shaped the nation. The comprehensive ‘Source and Notes’ and index will assist the reader with ample information for future research into Australia’s rich and interesting past.
Although white settlement of Australia has been relatively short there have been many colourful characters who have been involved in the events which have shaped this country’s destiny.
Historian and author Tony Matthews’s latest meticulously researched book “Convicts, Crimes and Tragic Times Dark Days of Old Australia” not only gives the reader insight into some of these long-forgotten heroes and villains and their illegal activities but also into savage nineteenth century justice.
Thanks to the author, many of these long-lost stories, which form the essence of Australia’s dramatically wild and colourful past, have been rediscovered.
Readers are transported to Australia’s colonial era, as they read some fascinating true crime cases from these times the author has unearthed. Not only stories of evil villains, ruthless executers, and harsh judges but also of those who have taken the wrong turn or made a mistake; these he has vividly and methodically documented.
This book is a must read for those interested in Australia’s lawless past and the forces which shaped the nation. The comprehensive ‘Source and Notes’ and index will assist the reader with ample information for future research into Australia’s rich and interesting past.
March 17, 2026
This collection of stories were interesting as I was only familiar with one of the cases so I learnt some more historical facts. I was able to read them after I found a paperback copy at my local library.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews