SAINT NED The Story of the Near Sanctification of an Australian Outlaw

Hardback. Since he was hanged in Melbourne jail in 1880, Ned Kelly, has become big business. The outlaw who fought against the moneyed people of his day is now a considerable money-spinner himself. The Kelly legend has supported a small army of academics, writers, musicians and playwrights - not to mention film, radio and television producers. Re-enactments of episodes in the Kelly career attract ever-increasing numbers of tourists to the scenes of his crimes, where they buy Ned Kelly T-shirts, salt and pepper shakers, car stickers and cardboard helmets. They flock in thousands to look at the old Melbourne jail in Russell Street, in which Ned Kelly was imprisoned and hanged. The author takes a wry look at the Kelly legend, and what is has meant for Australian commerce. In the process he examines why an Irish horse thief and murderer is regarded as an unofficial national hero. Illus. + References. 128pp. lge. 8vo. h/back. From the library of true crime writer, Wilfred Gregg, with his personal b/plate. Nr. F. in sl. sunned Vg+ dw.