Dimensions
209 x 135 x 16mm
One valley's stories of gold through the ages, from the beginning of the earth 4 billion years ago, through the valley's creation and the history of its alluring deposits.
Interspersed with historical and geological information are stories that bring to life the valley and its occupants. First, around 35,000 BC, we meet Mirrigan, a young Aboriginal man hunting the last of the mainland thylacine to present its skin to his female friend, Dhani.
From there we move through stories of European settlement, gold rushes, Chinese immigration, bushrangers, relations between Indigenous and European people, world wars, the Depression and natural disasters. When we arrive at the present day, the substance that has so shaped the valley's recent history - gold - is still an important commodity, but no longer at the expense of the valley.
Jackie French once again managers to inform and entertain in this wonderful collection of stories.
