The Outcasts Of Melbourne
Edited by Graeme Davison, David Dunstan and Chris McConville
Published by Allen & Unwin: Sydney 1985 1st Edition
"
The Outcasts of Melbourne is a historical examination of the marginalized communities in Melbourne during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The book explores the lives of the city's poor, unemployed, criminals, prostitutes, and other socially excluded groups who lived on the fringes of society. Through detailed research and historical records, Dunstan reveals the struggles these individuals faced, as well as the social and legal mechanisms that sought to control and often punish them. He examines the role of charitable institutions, policing, and government policies in shaping Melbourne's underclass, highlighting the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty in the rapidly growing city.
Dunstan also delves into the broader social attitudes of the time, including moral judgments about poverty and crime, and the ways in which Melbourne's elite sought to "clean up" the city. He explores how slums developed in certain areas, the impact of industrialization on employment, and the efforts to reform or remove those deemed undesirable. The Outcasts of Melbourne provides an insightful and often confronting look at a lesser-known aspect of the city's history, offering valuable perspectives on social inequality and urban development in Australia's past."
Light scuffing and fading to covers and spine. Pages clean and book presents very well. Please study photos to further understand condition.