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Glenrowan: The Legend of Ned Kelly and the Siege That Shaped a Nation
The siege of Glenrowan is more than just an Australian legend. The 41 hours when the Kelly Gang took over Ann Jones' Glenrowan Inn and held the police at bay have become a part of the Australian psyche.
Most people know the bare bones of the story, but few know the names and actions of some of those who literally made history over those two days. In this impeccably researched work and vivid retelling, Ian Shaw brings the characters to life through their own words and the observations of those who were there. The real heroes – and the real villains – take centre stage, just as they did at Glenrowan in June 1880.
There's the soulful Joe Byrne who toasts the success of the gang one moment and bleeds to death on the hotel floor the next. And the two younger outlaws, Dan Kelly and Steve Hart who were well and truly out of their depth, seeing no way out at the end, preferring to die rather than surrender. Above it all sits the enigmatic figure of Ned Kelly – vainglorious, cunning and brave – a figure who made too many mistakes in too short a time for his gang to survive.
Most people know the bare bones of the story, but few know the names and actions of some of those who literally made history over those two days. In this impeccably researched work and vivid retelling, Ian Shaw brings the characters to life through their own words and the observations of those who were there. The real heroes – and the real villains – take centre stage, just as they did at Glenrowan in June 1880.
There's the soulful Joe Byrne who toasts the success of the gang one moment and bleeds to death on the hotel floor the next. And the two younger outlaws, Dan Kelly and Steve Hart who were well and truly out of their depth, seeing no way out at the end, preferring to die rather than surrender. Above it all sits the enigmatic figure of Ned Kelly – vainglorious, cunning and brave – a figure who made too many mistakes in too short a time for his gang to survive.
- GenresHistory
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 8, 2021
Glenrowan by Ian W. Shaw is everything I had hoped it would be when I bought it.
There's so much Ned Kelly non fiction out there that it really does daunt me trying to work out which ones I should read. I wanted to acquaint myself with the 'truth', not the man of myth and romance. I already had an impression of him in my mind which was not favourable and I didn't want to read a book that told his story too emotively or sympathetically. That's not to say there are not parts of his (early years) story that don't deserve sympathy, but for the most part there is little sympathy in my heart for him. Ned Kelly was a braggart, a pathological liar, an egomaniac, quite possibly a sociopath, a thief and murderer and a mad 'general' who caused the death of his most loyal men. Because he spent several years of his youth in gaol, he also talked a big game in that way crims learn to do to avoid getting their heads stomped by apex predators. And he was also very nearly the worst mass murderer of whites in Australia to date - if Curnow had not stopped that train, it certainly would have come to pass.
To try and get a non-biased outlook on his (and Joe, Dan and Steve's) story, I chose Ned Kelly: A Short Life and this book Glenrowan.
I was very happy with A Short Life also, although I did find the author was more emotional about Ned and leaned towards making the reader feel sadness for him. At the end of that book I was fighting against my ill feelings towards Ned Kelly and actually felt my heart bleed. But how that book made me feel was not how I really felt.
Glenrowan shows the man in an honest light without the emotion (most of the time). The author has expertly used Ned's own words as well as real witness statements from people who knew or met him. But it was the voices of the people who were there that fateful day who spoke the loudest on his character and his dynamic with his gang. Those people were the hostages (approximately 40 of them) that the Kelly gang used as a human shield while Ned ranted about the wrongdoings of others against him, an innocent man who never did any harm to anyone unprovoked. A victim, in his own mind every step of the way. A stance he continued right up until the noose was secured around his neck and the trap dropped out from beneath his feet.
This book reveals how he pandered to crowds and how his story changed so often that its hard to keep track of what he actually lied about and what he actually believed was the truth. The book also reveals, through those hostage statements, how many times his brother, Dan, and his best mate, Joe, suggested they give up their plans and leave the inn alive, to fight another day. But Ned spoke them down everytime. Hence, my opinion of him as a mad general who caused the deaths of his most loyal men. Ned was so charismatic and forthright, that Dan, Steve and Joe would never leave him. For them to go, Ned had to go, and Ned wasn't going. So, their deaths ensued.
There are only about sixty-six pages dedicated to the life of Ned and events pre-Glenrowan, and that was the right amount. You have no expose of the Glenrowan siege without dealing with the personalities and provocations in play.
As an aside, I wanted to refer to Ned Kelly dressed like a dandy bushman. That was a surprise. Ian Jones did not detail it in A Short Life and I can see why he wouldn't. Under his iron armour that day, he had an outfit that is not what you'd expect and does not fit with the 19th century Mad Max visual many must have. Yellow corduroy trousers with a matching yellow corduroy waistcoat, a white Crimean shirt (puffy sleeved shirt) with a large black polka dot pattern, and around his waist, his green satin cummerbund sash that he got as a boy - his good luck charm. (The sash I knew about, the rest I didn't). I say, where were the fashion police on that June day in 1880.
There's so much Ned Kelly non fiction out there that it really does daunt me trying to work out which ones I should read. I wanted to acquaint myself with the 'truth', not the man of myth and romance. I already had an impression of him in my mind which was not favourable and I didn't want to read a book that told his story too emotively or sympathetically. That's not to say there are not parts of his (early years) story that don't deserve sympathy, but for the most part there is little sympathy in my heart for him. Ned Kelly was a braggart, a pathological liar, an egomaniac, quite possibly a sociopath, a thief and murderer and a mad 'general' who caused the death of his most loyal men. Because he spent several years of his youth in gaol, he also talked a big game in that way crims learn to do to avoid getting their heads stomped by apex predators. And he was also very nearly the worst mass murderer of whites in Australia to date - if Curnow had not stopped that train, it certainly would have come to pass.
To try and get a non-biased outlook on his (and Joe, Dan and Steve's) story, I chose Ned Kelly: A Short Life and this book Glenrowan.
I was very happy with A Short Life also, although I did find the author was more emotional about Ned and leaned towards making the reader feel sadness for him. At the end of that book I was fighting against my ill feelings towards Ned Kelly and actually felt my heart bleed. But how that book made me feel was not how I really felt.
Glenrowan shows the man in an honest light without the emotion (most of the time). The author has expertly used Ned's own words as well as real witness statements from people who knew or met him. But it was the voices of the people who were there that fateful day who spoke the loudest on his character and his dynamic with his gang. Those people were the hostages (approximately 40 of them) that the Kelly gang used as a human shield while Ned ranted about the wrongdoings of others against him, an innocent man who never did any harm to anyone unprovoked. A victim, in his own mind every step of the way. A stance he continued right up until the noose was secured around his neck and the trap dropped out from beneath his feet.
This book reveals how he pandered to crowds and how his story changed so often that its hard to keep track of what he actually lied about and what he actually believed was the truth. The book also reveals, through those hostage statements, how many times his brother, Dan, and his best mate, Joe, suggested they give up their plans and leave the inn alive, to fight another day. But Ned spoke them down everytime. Hence, my opinion of him as a mad general who caused the deaths of his most loyal men. Ned was so charismatic and forthright, that Dan, Steve and Joe would never leave him. For them to go, Ned had to go, and Ned wasn't going. So, their deaths ensued.
There are only about sixty-six pages dedicated to the life of Ned and events pre-Glenrowan, and that was the right amount. You have no expose of the Glenrowan siege without dealing with the personalities and provocations in play.
As an aside, I wanted to refer to Ned Kelly dressed like a dandy bushman. That was a surprise. Ian Jones did not detail it in A Short Life and I can see why he wouldn't. Under his iron armour that day, he had an outfit that is not what you'd expect and does not fit with the 19th century Mad Max visual many must have. Yellow corduroy trousers with a matching yellow corduroy waistcoat, a white Crimean shirt (puffy sleeved shirt) with a large black polka dot pattern, and around his waist, his green satin cummerbund sash that he got as a boy - his good luck charm. (The sash I knew about, the rest I didn't). I say, where were the fashion police on that June day in 1880.
April 4, 2015
In June, 1880 Ned Kelly and his gang resurfaced after months in hiding. Kelly, declaring he was tired of running, was determined to force a confrontation with police and had decided that the small, seemingly insignificant, town of Glenrowan would be the site. The slow police reaction caused Kelly's plans to fall apart and a siege occurred, the gang becoming trapped inside Ann Jones's inn. What followed was undoubtedly tragic and marked the end of the Kelly Gang, but it became part of the Australian folk legend and turned Kelly into the most famous, most iconic and most controversial bushranger in Australian history.
Within the pages of Glenrowan: The Legend of Ned Kelly and the Siege That Shaped a Nation, author Ian W. Shaw sets out to build a narrative out of these events, giving information not just on the actions of the gang, but also the police and the civilian hostages. It is a thoroughly absorbing read, once that lets readers get a real feel of what the Kelly gang were like – or what Shaw believes they were like.
This is, in all honesty, a really enjoyable book. It's readable and accessible and lets the reader get a sense of the powerful personalities and relationships at play. Shaw's writing and analysis of the gang member's relationships with each other was like gold to me. I also particularly enjoyed the way Shaw set out events, with chapters detailing each stage of the siege and its aftermath.
And while it probably does help if the reader has some knowledge of the Kelly Gang and its history, you don't really need it to understand the story Shaw's telling. That said, the scope of the book is limited to the siege and some brief, contextual chapters so if you're looking for an account of Kelly's life, I'd recommend picking up another book on Kelly, such as Ian Jones's Ned Kelly a Short Life .
So why the 1 star?
Like I indicated above, what's contained in this book is really just Shaw's interpretation of events. I'm never quite sure how much I trust his narrative – it's great reading, yes, but is it reliable? There does seem to be some degree of fictionalisation going on, some of which is completely inexcusable.
In the most obvious and most inexcusable example I can think of, Shaw recreates the deaths of the gang's two youngest members, Kelly's brother Dan and Steve Hart. The facts of their deaths are these: Dan Kelly and Hart were alone when they died. The only possible witness died shortly after being rescued from inn (which the police had set on fire in attempt to force Kelly and Hart out). A small group consisting of a priest and some police saw their bodies very briefly, the priest noting that they seemed to have been dead for a time and that there no obvious cause of death, such as a gunshot wound. The group was forced to abandon the bodies due to the intensity of the fire and when Kelly's and Hart's bodies were recovered, they were badly burnt and quickly released into the family's care. They were buried quickly and secretly, the family fearing – not unduly – that the police would try later to reclaim the bodies.
Thus: there are not witnesses to their deaths and there was no autopsy or inquest to determine a cause of death, if a cause of death could be determined from the state of the body. From this, Shaw builds up an elaborate scenario in which Kelly and Hart have a couple of conversations, then pour a glass of whisky each and lace it with laudanum, drink it and lie down beside each other, with Kelly putting his arm beneath Hart's head, who has already fallen asleep.
It's quite a touching image, but this version of events has two huge issues with it. One: it can't be verified. It's completely made up – there is literally no evidence that supports this version of events. Two: the final image Shaw creates doesn't match the witness accounts of the bodies. This is in fact the first I've heard of the theory that Kelly and Hart used laudanum to kill themselves. It may be new research that I'm simply unfamiliar with, but going by a simple Google search, the only results that pop up are for this book.
What's more, Shaw doesn't even signpost he's writing fiction at this point. I dislike fiction in my non-fiction, but I'm very forgiving when the author admits that they're fictionalising and offers a disclaimer along the lines of "this is what I think what happened, but there's no evidence that proves it".
This is a huge, jarring example of the biggest issue with the book. If Shaw happily fictionalised the deaths of two of the gang members, despite – by his own admission – that they were alone, the "most alone" they'd ever been, at the time, what else has he fabricated?
All of it?
So, while Glenrowan is a great narrative, an absorbing read, I can't help but think that there's a serious flaw with this book. At the end of the day, I can't trust it. And if a reference book isn't trustworthy, it's ultimately a failure.
Hence, the one star.
Within the pages of Glenrowan: The Legend of Ned Kelly and the Siege That Shaped a Nation, author Ian W. Shaw sets out to build a narrative out of these events, giving information not just on the actions of the gang, but also the police and the civilian hostages. It is a thoroughly absorbing read, once that lets readers get a real feel of what the Kelly gang were like – or what Shaw believes they were like.
This is, in all honesty, a really enjoyable book. It's readable and accessible and lets the reader get a sense of the powerful personalities and relationships at play. Shaw's writing and analysis of the gang member's relationships with each other was like gold to me. I also particularly enjoyed the way Shaw set out events, with chapters detailing each stage of the siege and its aftermath.
And while it probably does help if the reader has some knowledge of the Kelly Gang and its history, you don't really need it to understand the story Shaw's telling. That said, the scope of the book is limited to the siege and some brief, contextual chapters so if you're looking for an account of Kelly's life, I'd recommend picking up another book on Kelly, such as Ian Jones's Ned Kelly a Short Life .
So why the 1 star?
Like I indicated above, what's contained in this book is really just Shaw's interpretation of events. I'm never quite sure how much I trust his narrative – it's great reading, yes, but is it reliable? There does seem to be some degree of fictionalisation going on, some of which is completely inexcusable.
In the most obvious and most inexcusable example I can think of, Shaw recreates the deaths of the gang's two youngest members, Kelly's brother Dan and Steve Hart. The facts of their deaths are these: Dan Kelly and Hart were alone when they died. The only possible witness died shortly after being rescued from inn (which the police had set on fire in attempt to force Kelly and Hart out). A small group consisting of a priest and some police saw their bodies very briefly, the priest noting that they seemed to have been dead for a time and that there no obvious cause of death, such as a gunshot wound. The group was forced to abandon the bodies due to the intensity of the fire and when Kelly's and Hart's bodies were recovered, they were badly burnt and quickly released into the family's care. They were buried quickly and secretly, the family fearing – not unduly – that the police would try later to reclaim the bodies.
Thus: there are not witnesses to their deaths and there was no autopsy or inquest to determine a cause of death, if a cause of death could be determined from the state of the body. From this, Shaw builds up an elaborate scenario in which Kelly and Hart have a couple of conversations, then pour a glass of whisky each and lace it with laudanum, drink it and lie down beside each other, with Kelly putting his arm beneath Hart's head, who has already fallen asleep.
It's quite a touching image, but this version of events has two huge issues with it. One: it can't be verified. It's completely made up – there is literally no evidence that supports this version of events. Two: the final image Shaw creates doesn't match the witness accounts of the bodies. This is in fact the first I've heard of the theory that Kelly and Hart used laudanum to kill themselves. It may be new research that I'm simply unfamiliar with, but going by a simple Google search, the only results that pop up are for this book.
What's more, Shaw doesn't even signpost he's writing fiction at this point. I dislike fiction in my non-fiction, but I'm very forgiving when the author admits that they're fictionalising and offers a disclaimer along the lines of "this is what I think what happened, but there's no evidence that proves it".
This is a huge, jarring example of the biggest issue with the book. If Shaw happily fictionalised the deaths of two of the gang members, despite – by his own admission – that they were alone, the "most alone" they'd ever been, at the time, what else has he fabricated?
All of it?
So, while Glenrowan is a great narrative, an absorbing read, I can't help but think that there's a serious flaw with this book. At the end of the day, I can't trust it. And if a reference book isn't trustworthy, it's ultimately a failure.
Hence, the one star.
July 30, 2019
The best book on Ned Kelly I've ever read. Without tangible bias, it simply explores what happened and shines a light on the forgotten heroes of arguably Australia's most culturally defining event, in the process reminding us that above anything else the Siege of Glenrowan was a traumatising, horrific experience for those who were there - a long way from the glorious legend.
Unlike other books which try to direct your sympathies one way or another, this simply presents facts and reasonable conjecture then leaves you to make up your own mind. A rare example of a clear eyed, sober account of a contentious part of our history. Essential.
Unlike other books which try to direct your sympathies one way or another, this simply presents facts and reasonable conjecture then leaves you to make up your own mind. A rare example of a clear eyed, sober account of a contentious part of our history. Essential.
January 5, 2019
Glenrowan is an excellent read. The narrative is rich and detailed, which won’t let you put it down.
The setting of events in an easy to follow timeline allows the reader to transport themselves to the time and almost the place. A little more background to events and places could be included, but the author does try by reintroducing places- albeit with limited context.
Further to this is the well researched Glenrowan siege timeline of events, which even though comprehensive is not laborious at all. It held me in awe of what may have been said and done at this little town. As other users have written, some liberties with the truth have been taken, maybe as they are unknown or unable to be verified. This doesn’t detract from the book, but it should be remembered that there may be some speculation.
I think that both sides (law and order-outlaw) have been presented fairly equally. It was so interesting to try and discover the motivations of the different characters in the pages where their actions and words were described, true imagined or assumed. These did make me want to discover more about the people involved.
Sorry for the long review, but the story of Ned Kelly and the events around him and those drawn in is divisive. Some of this book could be seen as opinion... this review is mine.
The setting of events in an easy to follow timeline allows the reader to transport themselves to the time and almost the place. A little more background to events and places could be included, but the author does try by reintroducing places- albeit with limited context.
Further to this is the well researched Glenrowan siege timeline of events, which even though comprehensive is not laborious at all. It held me in awe of what may have been said and done at this little town. As other users have written, some liberties with the truth have been taken, maybe as they are unknown or unable to be verified. This doesn’t detract from the book, but it should be remembered that there may be some speculation.
I think that both sides (law and order-outlaw) have been presented fairly equally. It was so interesting to try and discover the motivations of the different characters in the pages where their actions and words were described, true imagined or assumed. These did make me want to discover more about the people involved.
Sorry for the long review, but the story of Ned Kelly and the events around him and those drawn in is divisive. Some of this book could be seen as opinion... this review is mine.
October 28, 2017
Very good read
Love the storey of Ned Kelly
Very detailed and interesting
Love the storey of Ned Kelly
Very detailed and interesting
April 20, 2023
A meticulously researched book on a famous day in Australian History . Well written and entertaining. The Hero ? for me was the priest Fr Gibney.
April 25, 2014
A good book about a famous event in Australia's history. I just visited Glenrowan and it's interesting to walk the streets and the sites. It puts it in proportion of the small area this clash covered. Great read for history readers or someone interested in the Kelly myth. Kelly is still held in awe by some still as an Aussie legend but the book balances that out with the story of the police and people killed, wounded or damaged emotionally by the Kelly Gangs actions and their story post the siege.
February 17, 2014
I found this book very interesting. I have read quite a bit about Ned Kelly over the years, and found this added a lot to my knowledge. The book goes into great detail about the siege at Glenrowan, and although there is a lot of detail it is never overwhelming. It is well-paced, and keeps track of quite a large cast of characters very clearly.
October 1, 2016
An interesting documentation of the events which occurred to bring about the Kelly Gang and following through to the ultimate demise of the gang and the deaths of all its members. An Australian legend comes to life in the pages of this book, I learnt a lot that I wasn't previously aware of. Well written and informative.
May 23, 2012
Very interesting and well told. Offered some new insights into this well known event in Australian history.
September 20, 2015
3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews