Eureka: The Unfinished Revolution

by Peter FitzSimons

Eureka Stockade - The Unfinished RevolutionIn 1854, Victorian miners fought a deadly battle under the flag of the Southern Cross at the Eureka Stockade. Though brief and doomed to fail, the battle is legend in both our history and in the Australian mind. Henry Lawson wrote poems about it, its symbolic flag is still raised, and even the nineteenth - century visitor Mark Twain called it: ''a strike for liberty''.Was this rebellion a fledgling nation's first attempt to assert its independence under colonial rule? Or was it merely rabble - rousing by unruly miners determined not to pay their taxes.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Australia, Historical, Audiobook, Book Club

696 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

Peter FitzSimons is one of Australia’s most prominent and successful media and publishing identities. His busy professional life involves co-hosting the breakfast program on Sydney's Radio 2UE, writing weekly columns for the Sydney Morning Herald and Sun Herald newspapers, appearing on Foxtel's Back Page television show and, when time permits, authoring best-selling books. A correspondent for London's Daily Telegraph as well, he is also in high demand as a guest speaker and presenter

Reviews

[Peter Langston · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tediously detailed and endlessly devoted to the most trivial aspects, I gave up 230 pages in for want of an important plot development. This book needed serious editing. A great Australian yarn has been turned into a great Australian yawn. I skimmed remaining sections, eventually finding some riveting passages but it was as if I had wanted to know about Eureka, I had to drive there. After a while, I got bored with the sameness of the scenery and came home instead. Mr Fitzsimons has written some fascinating and exciting recreations of Australian characters and history but this isn't one of them. If you wish to salvage the read, start on page 358.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well researched, well written this book is typical of Peter Fitzsimons style and thus it makes a great read, especially if you are a great fan of Australian history.
That being said, there were times in the first few chapters, where I was glazed eyed bored by sections of this book. It was all necessary for the set up for what was to come, but it did feel like a bit of a slog to get through.
I was impressed by the later stages of the book, and now that I know what the Eureka Stockade meant for the future history of the Australian people, I am amazed that the education of todays children is not more soaked with the telling of this story. In my own time, it was almost a footnote to be mentioned in passing (But then Australian history always did seem to be neglected somewhat with the forcibly pushing of other agendas in todays education system if you ask me)
More of the Eureka stockade should be taught to the children of Australia, and I will go as far as saying that after reading this book, the day should be commemorated with as much reverence as what ANZAC day is.

[Andrew Saul · Rating 1 out of 5]

I came into this book wanting to learn more about this period of Australian history, so I was already invested in wanting to like it.

However I only got about 60 pages into the start before I skipped ahead through the chapters and read probably another 30 pages to see if it got any better: It doesn't. Fitzsimons has tried (transparently) to make this book read like a novel whilst still being an accurate and full historical account. It's not a good fit at all. Instead of being engaging the story as a novel is dry, and as historical account it's nowhere near focused enough on explaining events in a efficient way for reader.

I respect Fitzsimons attempt to document this important period of history. It's clear he has put a lot of excellent research work into it. I hope that someone in the future takes this material and turns it into something a lot more accessible for the reader.

[Adrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
One of, if not the biggest, gold rushes in the world led to the democratic government (we think) we have today. So much happened in Australia because those diggers had the guts to stand up and say no.

If history was written and taught like this when I was in school, I would have taken a lot more notice. As it is, I'm knocking over a FitzSimons book per year. I thought I knew a bit about the Eureka Stockade but I barely had the bones. I'm sure there are a hundred things FitzSimons could have included but he has fleshed it out nicely. The way it is told is cohesive and events just flow.

Ned Kelly just has an edge on this one.

[Kim Parish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took a while to get into and being quite a big read it nearly hot shelved. However Fitzsimmons drew me in and left me feeling I had not only been part of a great tale but had also learnt so much more about this little discussed important part of Australian history. The warm epilogue rounded the book off beautifully.

[Andrew Parnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book by Peter Fitzsimon was a more slap dash effort than the actual stockade. Read to me as an unedited diary. I usually enjoy reading Peter's books, but this one was mediocre at best.

[Michael Whyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, a must read for anyone who likes Australian history

[Alex James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great epic historical 'telling'. I was engrossed from start to finish, and loved all the vivid detail. FitzSimons really establishes the background and sets the scene so you're always right there, and always comprehend the action and motives of all the players, right through the battle then all the way to the astounding epilogue. This really made the subject come alive for me, and I highly recommend it, especially if you're looking for a deep dive into the subject. Fantastic.

[Jenny Kirkby · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much more to the Eureka Stockade than is commonly known and I can only ask - WHY? Is this another episode of Australian History white washed for a more suitable national narrative? Anyhoo - another great read from Peter FitzSimons.

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you build a relationship with a book before you even begin reading. Sometimes, it’s once you’ve finished and have had a chance to reflect and review.

I began to love Peter Fitzsimons’s Eureka midway through its prologue. With only a skeleton knowledge of the Eureka rebellion – gleaned from sketchy Australian History classes – I hoped this tome would put some flesh on the bones. The prologue, with its international political context and teasingly close local references had me hooked. I loved being reminded that Melbourne came stonkingly close to being known as Batmania and that William Buckley, the larger-than-life escaped convict, had wandered these parts with the indigenous Wautharung people for 35 years. There was even a Charles Dickens reference in there. I sensed the story about to unfold was one of substance and detail, and I anticipated the read with eagerness. I was not disappointed.

At 696 pages, Eureka is a daunting adventure – one I would probably not have embarked on had it not been a prescribed book club read. And isn’t that the true gift of book clubs, that you tackle books you would otherwise not?

Peter Fitzsimons has a remarkable gift for weaving historical narrative rich with primary source documentation and commentary. I’d wondered how the characters might come alive but they were carefully drawn in an astutely researched montage of media, court and official documentation of their day. They were, in a sense, peer reviewed in the language and the context of their times, potently capturing the spirit of the 1850s goldfields and the troubles of those who lived and governed. Amplifying tensions were gloriously played out in newspaper articles, official reports and conversation accounts.

Fitzsimons’s lively commentary held me engaged and involved. Often I felt as if I were reading a novel, rather than a historical recount. I knew what was coming, but I knew not how and became totally immersed in the unfolding story and the myriad of “sliding doors” moments in the lead-up to the tragic outcome. And then came the Epilogue – a whole other level of understanding of the main characters and their post-event lives.

I found myself carrying this book with me everywhere, lest I should miss an opportunity to read a few pages. Mid-way through, I felt compelled to visit Ballarat (where the events took place) and spent several hours exploring the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (MADE), which is purportedly built on the site of the original Eureka Stockade (within an hour’s drive of my home).

On that same day, the local Ballarat newspaper ran a story about a rare copy of Raphaello Carboni’s The Eureka Stockade coming up for auction. Carboni was a key protagonist in Eureka and, after the rebellion, penned a book, which has become an important reference for researchers and those interested in the events.

Peter Fitzsimons has gotten in my head and under my skin with Eureka. I’m certain my future holds more adventures into history when I dive into some of his other renowned books. For now, I have Kokoda in my reader crosshairs and can't wait for the November 2014 release of Gallipoli.

[Lyn Ambrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peter FitzSimons books are well researched with well documented Notes and References, Bibliography and Index available for the reader. Eureka commences with a prologue, has fifteen chapters plus an epilogue in its 696 pages.

The year is 1851. Australia's population is 200,000 and there are 1,000 sheep stations fattening and breeding over six million sheep and/or growing wheat. Gold is discovered near Bathurst in New South Wales on the twelfth of February. Workers on these sheep stations start leaving to try their luck in striking it rich. Victoria becomes a separate entity from New South Wales on the fifteenth of July of the same year just as gold is discovered near Ballarat in the Pyrenees Ranges north of Melbourne.

To the ire of the diggers, a licence fee of 30 shillings per month, paid in advance, is introduced on Black Monday, the first day of September 1851. The furore over this licence fee is historically recorded through the embedded speeches, newspaper articles, meeting minutes, private letters and diary entries included in the author's narrative. By the end of 1851 the inequitable "licence to dig system" is replaced by a royalty levied on the amount of money earned from diggings.

At the end of 1852 just about every able-bodied man has departed for the gold fields including those in the police force. It is at this time that a decision is made for each state to have a constitutional act to have an elected lower house and a legislative council nominated by the Crown with the principal officers being paid. The colonies thus control their own affairs, raise their own revenue and are no longer as tightly tied to the legal framework and purse strings of "Mother England".

Money from the diggers royalty is very important but the diggers remain most unhappy about paying this royalty. Police regularly appear without warning demanding to see the licences and diggers are jailed if they fail to show them. These raids became more numerous and diggers are hurt. In the Winter of 1853, the first Victorian Lieutenant-Governor, Charles La Trobe, sails out of Port Phillip Bay leaving behind corrupt officials in the Ballarat goldfields and Victoria as a difficult state to control. He is replaced by former naval officer Sir Charles Hotham who uses a non-consultative dictatorial approach instead of providing responsible government as per the terms of his appointment.

The unhappy diggers build a stockade to provide some protection from future raids they foresee occurring. A stage and a flagpole are built and a flag designed on the Southern Cross replaces the Union Jack inside the stockade. The diggers form into platoons containing men of similar ilk and a leader is selected for each and given the title of Captain. Drills are conducted to increase the fighting and defence skills of the diggers.

In early December 1854 the Queen's peace is disturbed when soldiers charge on the stockade pre-dawn on the sacred Sabbath, a day on which licences and royalty receipts had never been previously checked. The diggers are unprepared and many are injured or worse with others ending up in prison and later facing trial.

Each main character mentioned in the narrative has the remainder of his life summarised in a few paragraphs in the epilogue. This provides an interesting closure to Peter FitzSimon's historical account of the Eureka Stockade.

Reading about and understanding historical events helps us to understand our past and present as a relatively young and lucky country. I enjoyed the read even though I did not find the book as compelling a read as others written by the same author, hence my allocation of three stars out of five.

[Reza Amiri Praramadhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the middle half of 19th century, Australia, to be more precise, the Queen’s Colony of Victoria, was awash in a gold rush. The sudden surge of movement of residents to the gold fields and mines, overwhelmed the colonial government capability to run day-to-day business effectively, since everyone seemed to be packing their belongings and leaving their jobs, and most importantly, robbed the government of its ability to have a piece to the newfound wealth on its land. Furthermore, the huge numbers of unruly diggers put enormous strain on Victoria police budget. Therefore, the government solution was to introduce a license fee, a move that was unpopular since it was introduced unilaterally without any consent from the diggers, for they lacked representatives in Victoria State Parliament. This already volatile situation was further exacerbated by the murder of a digger, and the subsequent acquittal of his supposed killers, launched the diggers into seditious mood.

The diggers, being a multicultural mixtures of english chartists, irish nationalists, and europeans with radical inclinations (many of them arrived in Australia after the rebellions of 1848), launched themselves into open rebellion, building a stockade in Eureka and swearing themselves under the southern cross flag to defend each other in order to achieve freedom, liberty and most importantly, independence from the Crown, making it the earliest expression of Australian republicanism. Alas, this motley band of miners were no match for the British redcoats, who made a short work of them. However, the most curious thing was, the government, charging those who were put on trial with high treason, was fail to gain any, for all of the indicted were acquitted, some of them were to have illustrious careers ahead of them. The legacy of the Eureka Rebellion is also discussed, with various views ranging from outright dismissal to overstating the importance of the events towards Australian Democracy.

In the end, in my opinion, the writing style of this book may be polarizing to readers. Since it was written in story-like way, with excerpts from contemporary newspapers, it might feels winding, as I felt while reading the build up to the event, which took two-thirds of the book. I found myself picking up the pace of reading only during the Revolution part and its aftermath. However, if you enjoy a good story-telling, this book is for you, for for a history book, it was written not in a bland, scholarly way, which I understand would be a boring experience.

[Peter Mathews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peter FitzSimons provides an exhaustive historical overview of one of the most famous events in Australian history: the Eureka Stockade, in which the miners, attracted to Australia by the prospect of striking it rich on the gold fields, formed an armed rebellion against the exploitative mining licenses that threatened their livelihood.

FitzSimons pans through every last piece of evidence and testimony in reconstructing the events before, during, and after the Eureka Stockade. this makes the book very thorough, but also somewhat exhausting. I could have done with less detail and more action, although I suppose that a historian does have to cover as much ground as possible.

The other aspect of the book that I felt ambivalent about was the heroic way in which it presents the Eureka Stockade. Yes, it did usher in advances in democracy in colonial Victoria (and Australia), but it seems to me that such consequences were more an accident than a deliberate intention of the miners. Look at the legacy of their leader, Peter Lalor, who when elected to the Victorian parliament sided with big business and the landed aristocracy.

Eureka is a solid book that tells you everything you could want to know about this famous historical event. I just wish it had been a little more succinct in its telling and a bit more critical in its politics.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Peter Fitsimmons way of writing. The Aussie ockerisms appeal to me, and as such I found this another enjoyable read, having just finished Ned Kelly by the same author.

This is a very exciting story of a major incident in Australian history, although the actual firing as the attack begins is a bit confusing, One would have thought that 50 of the soldiers were killed and as many of the stockaders. Quite a surprise to afterwards read how few of the soldiers were casualties.

I note the comments by several others of the difficulty in getting into the book. I was pretty much the same but because I was sure it would get better I was amply rewarded. But I would say as a comment to the author that the first 50 or so pages which concerned mainly the early discoveries of gold in NSW and then Victoria could have been condensed into 10 pages and bought the action at Ballarat into focus much quicker, and to the betterment of the book.

But overall a big tick from me.

[Zbigniew Zdziarski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how accurate FitzSimons reporting is. I don't know how accurate his interpolations and his conjectures are from available sources. But I do know that he brought the whole incident to life. It took a while to get going but I understand why he did what he did. All the characters that played a prominent role needed a backstory. We needed to see what they each saw and how they saw it. This was done well.

The Epilogue is the only thing I would discard from this book. This is the part where FitzSimons gives his own opinions on the saga. He obviously has strong political leanings and they shine forth. I also believe he exaggerates the influence the Eureka incident had on the future policies of the whole of Australia and the world. His arguments are not convincing. I wish he were right, though. It is an entertaining story.

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Growing up in Australia, we all learned about the "Eureka Stockade", but apart from it having something to do with gold mining, I had no recollection of that primary school lesson.

Peter FitzSimons as his want, turns this historical footnote into a vibrant story of love, hope and harsh colonial rule. Yes it was an entertaining read, and I really do know what the Eureka Stockade stood for now. I guess the problem with this book, is it drags... The actual battle in the Ballarat gold fields only lasts about an hour, so the book concentrates on how it came to this and what happened afterwards. But the opening chapter rewinds all the way back to 1788 and the first settlement in Sydney cove, I was wondering how long is this going to take to get to 1854 in Victoria...

[Tony Genualdi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been curious about Eureka for some years, as a Yank, to know just how pivotal an event this was compared to the American fights for freedom. This work of FitzSimons certainly helped. It tells us of the finding of gold at Ballarat, and the people from around the world, including Americans and Irish, who came to work it. It was quite a thrill to find out how many Yanks were part of the setting up of the stockade and their fight to stay alive with the Redcoat attack.
It was also wonderful to learn how much this one fight made Australia less of a colony and more of a democracy, and the spirit which still exists.

[Marion Brownlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

fantastic. loads of history that id heard of. Peter set the whole scene in history leading up to Eureka. It does drag on a bit but you find out what really happened at Eureka. You need to get your head around all the people involved and some were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. the soldiers were just following orders by an incompetent governor. it demonstrates true democracy. its much more than the birth of unionism. it was the start of equality for all citizens. Before Eureka you could only vote if you were a large landowner.

[Ralphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because I wanted to know more.
I’m glad I took the time to read it back to back, and I now know infinitely more about this tragic story.
The author leaves no stone unturned in his search for gold plated details ( all puns intended ).
His concise epilogue that includes a short political manifesto served as a neat contrast to the body of the yarn.
Admittedly the author can polarise opinion, but I do think he is doing us all a favour by penning the multi perspective details of our nation’s seminal events.
😎👍📚✅

[Kim Gosling · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this book, but I just didn’t! The subject matter is fascinating & part of Australia’s fabric. Ii was obviously really well researched, but I find the authors writing style to be pompous & wordy & I found this read like a boring thesis! The Eureka story deserves better than this. I really struggled to get through this book & wont be in a hurry to pick up another book by this author.

[Bruce Wadd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever the detailed one Fitzsimons excels in this historical account of researching and delivering colourful storytelling. Having lived in Ballarat the richness of this tome brought alive the place i had enjoyed.

What an amazing and under estimated important chapter in Australia's colonial history. Though long and tedious at times, this reflection upon democracy, multiculturalism, mining, egalitarianism and so many other topics highlights the vital nature of this account.

[Kev Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all of his books on Australian History, Bandana Man (Peter Fitzsimons) has researched and presented a well-thought-out book on the Eureka incident. The beauty of his treatment of the history genre is that he can combine facts and present them almost in a 'novel' format and this makes his history books easy to read and very enjoyable while the reader learns a little more about the history of our country. Yet another great effort on his part.

[Scott Vawser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Peter Fitzsimons read. He gets a bit of a raz for being too ‘fictiony’ as a history writer, (plus his Republican leanings are all over this one! Not that I mind, 👋 bye bye dear England, it’s been nice, but…it’s time). Not sure why this one gets a few negative reviews, it hooked me in from the start.

His ‘glamming up’ of history is his intent, he says at the start of his books that his purpose is to make a history book feel like a novel, I’m good with that, in fact I love it!

[Michael Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational for Australia

Why has it taken me 70+ years and a childhood spent in the old goldfields town of Maldon only minutes away from Ballarat to at last hear the full story of Eureka and it has lived up to all I had sensed about it. I agree strongly that it is still the unfinished revolution.

[Ben Bootsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well woven narrative

A historical narrative that weaves together the stories of key characters in the Eureka Stockade. I bought this book knowing very little about this historical event and I was very happy with the content and the engaging writing style. (The Audible narration is also very good).

[Kim Wingerei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Fitzsimons managed not just to tell a compelling story about a fascinating and much misunderstood period of Australian history, but he does it in a way that captures the times impeccably - you can feel it, smell it, see it throughout a truly memorable readers journey. Loved it!

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once you look past the author's thinly veiled political agenda this isn't a bad book an an important part of Australia's colonial history. His detail on early settlement, the discovery of gold in Australia and the workings of the Ballarat Goldfields is quite good and easy to read.

[Neil Bye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Fitzsimons has a certain style when writing about historical events and it makes for a very readable book which was in evidence here. Not a subject about which I knew a great deal, most enjoyable 👍

[Mandy J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating part of Australian history. Peter Fitzsimons has a particular style of writing which can be not to everyone’s taste but he certainly picks interesting topics to write about.

[Abdul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must read exploration of a very fascinating part of Australian history!