The Complete Inner History Of The Kelly Gang And Their Pursuers
By J.J. Kenneally
Published by The Kelly Gang Publishing Company Pty Ltd: Moe 1969
"J. J. Kenneally's The Complete Inner History of the Kelly Gang and Their Pursuers, originally published in 1929 and here in its 1969 Australian edition, is one of the most influential and controversial accounts of Ned Kelly and his companions. Written by a schoolteacher deeply familiar with the Kelly country, Kenneally sought to challenge the prevailing narratives of the time, presenting the gang not simply as outlaws, but as products of social injustice, police persecution, and colonial tensions in nineteenth-century Victoria. His work draws heavily on interviews, local knowledge, and official records, aiming to give voice to perspectives he believed had been overlooked or suppressed.
The book offers a detailed and often sympathetic reconstruction of the events surrounding the Kelly outbreak, including the gang's formation, key confrontations, and ultimate downfall. Kenneally places particular emphasis on the role of the police and judiciary, arguing that systemic bias and heavy-handed tactics contributed significantly to the escalation of violence. Supplemented with portraits, maps of the Kelly country, and contextual material, the narrative blends historical documentation with a strong interpretive stance, making it both a historical source and a piece of advocacy.
Over time, Kenneally's account has become a cornerstone in the evolving historiography of the Kelly story, influencing later writers and shaping public perception of Ned Kelly as a folk hero rather than a mere criminal. While modern scholarship has revisited and critiqued some of his conclusions, the work remains an essential and compelling contribution to Australian historical literature. This edition will appeal to collectors of Australiana, students of colonial history, and those fascinated by the enduring legend of the Kelly Gang."
Light wear to covers and spine. Book is clean with no inscriptions. An excellent copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
