Cirrus@Austlit

'The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka is an attractive book with an easy narrative style that readers will generally enjoy. The book comprises twelve chapters in three parts, with an introductory preface, conclusion and epilogue. Part One, ‘Transitions’, provides firsthand descriptions of travelling to the goldfields and concludes with a portrayal of goldfields life in December 1853, one year before Eureka. Part Two, ‘Transformations’, begins with Martha Clendinning who came to Ballarat in 1853, and whose journals have previously been used extensively. It tells of life on the Ballarat diggings and gives a vivid account of the birthing experience of one woman, Sarah Skinner. Part Three, ‘Transgressions’, continues the Eureka story, describing the murder of James Scobie, the subsequent burning of Bentley’s hotel and the Eureka battle itself. The Conclusion, titled ‘A Day at the Races’, suggests that ‘things go on regardless’ and gives an account of the aftermath from 1855 to 1858.' (Introduction)