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The Ballad of Moondyne Joe

by Niall Lucy & John Kinsella

Price $27.95

About the Book

Moondyne Joe was colonial Australia’s ultimate escape artist. His daring and repeated breakouts drove the Governor to build him a special cell. And when Moondyne Joe escaped again, he drove the Governor mad.

Moondyne Joe himself died a pauper in Fremantle Lunatic Asylum but not before he gained notoriety as a lawbreaker, the husband of a brothel madam, a bushman who befriended local Indigenous people, and as a folk hero who championed the underdog.

Written by John Kinsella, one of Australia’s best known poets, and Niall Lucy, a caustic and irreverent social commentator, this book is an anarchic and playful examination of an elusive man and the harsh convict system he resisted.

‘a playful examination of the notorious escape artist’s life and the harsh convict system of the time.’ Geraldton Guardian

‘Using a variety of sources and styles, including poetry, timelines, copies of contemporary documents and – somewhat creepily – modern forensic indentikit imaging, John Kinsella and Niall Lucy piece together the story of this WA folk hero.’ Scoop

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