Thread: "Mrs Kelly" (A new book about Ned Kelly's mother, Ellen)

Just finished reading this book.
At 600+ pages, I suppose for anyone that's not interested in the "Kelly Saga", then maybe it'd be hard work, but as I do have an interest, I found I couldn't put it down.
I've read lots of "Kelly" books, visited sites etc many times, but this book, which is primarily about Ned Kelly's mother Ellen, has given me a new perspective on many things,.....it is not a "ra ra ra" about Ned Kelly. There is a lot of information about the lives & families of the 3 Policemen killed at Stringybark Creek, particularly the much respected Michael Kennedy.
I would simply say it's the best book on the Kellys that I have read.
Pickles.

Sounds like a good book, Pickles. I have one for you, if you don't already have it. NED KELLY , the authentic illustrated story, written by Keith McMenomy, introduced by Manning Clark. No heroes here, from either side, just the facts, compiled over 20 years of research. With permission to publish the written words of the protagonists , along with over 330 illustrations, the story of the Kelly family is written raw and without prejudice. A story about real people leading a hard frontier life in the pioneering districts of Victoria. You would love it.

Originally Posted by bob10

Sounds like a good book, Pickles. I have one for you, if you don't already have it. NED KELLY , the authentic illustrated story, written by Keith McMenomy, introduced by Manning Clark. No heroes here, from either side, just the facts, compiled over 20 years of research. With permission to publish the written words of the protagonists , along with over 330 illustrations, the story of the Kelly family is written raw and without prejudice. A story about real people leading a hard frontier life in the pioneering districts of Victoria. You would love it.

Thanks for that Bob,....but guess what, there are two editions of that book,...I've got both of them!!, and you are absolutely right, I do LOVE 'em.
I saw the 1st edition when it came out,...it was a long time ago, I think the release price was $49.95 which I couldn't afford, so I didn't buy one. But a while later McEwans had a book sale & they had heaps of 'em at $12.95 so I bought two & gave one to Peter Brock who was also interested in Kelly "history". When a second edition was released, it did have a small amount of extra detail so I bought one, but they're both pretty much the same.
There are squillions of books on the Kellys, but as far as this type of "illustrated" history is concerned, IMHO, these would be the best,....some beautiful images in them.
Regards, Pickles.

Originally Posted by Pickles2

Thanks for that Bob,....but guess what, there are two editions of that book,...I've got both of them!!, and you are absolutely right, I do LOVE 'em.
I saw the 1st edition when it came out,...it was a long time ago, I think the release price was $49.95 which I couldn't afford, so I didn't buy one. But a while later McEwans had a book sale & they had heaps of 'em at $12.95 so I bought two & gave one to Peter Brock who was also interested in Kelly "history". When a second edition was released, it did have a small amount of extra detail so I bought one, but they're both pretty much the same.
There are squillions of books on the Kellys, but as far as this type of "illustrated" history is concerned, IMHO, these would be the best,....some beautiful images in them.
Regards, Pickles.

Yes, a great snapshot of early Australian life. The preamble has an interview by a Sydney journalist, B. W. Cookson, with Mrs. Ellen Kelly, at this time an old woman. He describes her as " spared to a life that is but a living death, bowed down in agonising memories, and quite devoid of hope. " Sad.
Manning Clark wrote it well when he said " the three important contributions by Keith McMenomy are that he has added to our knowledge of the Kelly story, that he has enlarged our understanding by his comprehensive collection of illustrations, and that he has written his account from a standpoint which does not award praise or blame to the human beings caught up in the drama of the Ned Kelly gang.". McMenomy also " had the eye of pity for all the participants. So his work is both a store house of information, and a treasure house of the wisdom with knowing that things go hardly with all of us. ". My edition was published in 1984, distributed by Gordon and Gotch Ltd. Essential reading for all Australians, IMO.

Bob, I think I know that the monetary value of the book is of no consequence to you, nor is it to me, but your "1984" edition is the original "first" edition, which is somewhat of a collectors item these days.
In view of the "realistic" comments that you make, I'm sure that you would enjoy the book the subject of this thread.
Pickles.

Originally Posted by Pickles2

Just finished reading this book.
At 600+ pages, I suppose for anyone that's not interested in the "Kelly Saga", then maybe it'd be hard work, but as I do have an interest, I found I couldn't put it down.
I've read lots of "Kelly" books, visited sites etc many times, but this book, which is primarily about Ned Kelly's mother Ellen, has given me a new perspective on many things,.....it is not a "ra ra ra" about Ned Kelly. There is a lot of information about the lives & families of the 3 Policemen killed at Stringybark Creek, particularly the much respected Michael Kennedy.
I would simply say it's the best book on the Kellys that I have read.
Pickles.

That sounds like a very interesting book - thanks for mentioning it. I'll try to get hold of it.

Ah the fascination with Ned Kelly. Now we are writing books about his Mum.
If it wasn’t for the ridiculous armour would anyone even remember this dill?

Originally Posted by stealth

Ah the fascination with Ned Kelly. Now we are writing books about his Mum.
If it wasn’t for the ridiculous armour would anyone even remember this dill?

Strange comment..... The mere mention of Ned Kelly often gets a very negative response.

He's part of Australian history whatever you think you 'know' about him.
Thanks for the 'heads up' on the book Pickles, I'll have to get a copy, should make interesting reading.


Colin