'Something about the millennial moment is piquing our interest in the past, more than usual it seems. Histories of cities can provide a valuable window into the people, conditions and events which have shaped the kinds of metropolis in which most of us live today. The Mayne Inheritance is one such book, set as it is, in the rough frontier town of nineteenth century Brisbane. It is a most welcome addition, to the social and political history of the city.' (Introduction)