The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka

"A wonderful book. At last an Australian foundation story where women are not only found, but are found to have played a fundamental role."—Chris Masters

"Lively, incisive and timely. . . . This excellent book . . . links the actions of its heroines to the later fight for female suffrage, and will be of strong relevance to a contemporary female audience."—Books + Publishing

In December 1854 the community at Ballarat in Victoria's goldfields erupted in violence. The mining community took up arms to protest unfair taxes imposed by a disorganized and greedy colonial government. The rebellion at Eureka Stockade is often viewed as the launch of democracy in Australia, and is typically seen as an act of masculine revolt.

Internationally renowned historian Clare Wright has spent her career writing women back into the history pages. Forgotten Rebels is her groundbreaking account of the thousands of women who stood alongside the goldminers at one of Australia's greatest nation-building events.

From enduring three months of almost unbearable sea-sickness to surviving the wretchedness of daily life in the tent city, Wright tells the real stories of the women and men who lived and died in Australia's feverish goldrush years. Bloody and visceral, this book will take you by the throat.

Clare Wright has worked as a political speechwriter, university lecturer, historical consultant, and radio and television broadcaster. She lives in Melbourne, Australia.