Radical Melbourne: A Secret History

by Jeff and Sparrow Jill Sparrow, Jill Sparrow

Presents a pictorial guide through the first 100 years of political radicalism in Melbourne, focusing on the structures, streets and public places that remain today. Documents struggles and political victories and defeats from the city's past. Part walking tour and part social archaelogy, it relates familiar city landmarks to historical events of the past. Foreword by Stuart Macintyre. Contains over 80 historical photos, maps, bibliography and index. Authors are brother and sister, both social activists who work in libraries in Melbourne.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Australia, Politics, Urban Planning

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Anne Fenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A valuable reminder of how hard life was in 1890s - early 1900s Australia. Economy terrible, lots of unemployment but no government welfare policy yet. Protest was banned, riots occurred instead. A lot about class. Years of struggle to have working people able to access books and education from Victoria's biggest public library. No basic wage.

[Sayraphim Lothian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the first book and was super excited about the second, which didn't disappoint! I really enjoyed reading the secret and not-so-secret history of my adopted city. Some of the stories I already knew, but rarely in the detail shared, but most were stories I didn't know. A great (second) discourse on Melbourne's political history.

[Strong Extraordinary Dreams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book, super interesting if you live in Melbourne. Really made me look at the city in a new way.

[Yicheng Liu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent book. Liked it. Interesting local history.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the authors' ability to describe what was, without romanticising it. The details tell the story.

[Ainsley kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

jeff sparrow is a total dude.

[Jady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating history