Since its first publication in 1984 'Struggletown' has become an Australian
classic. Winner of numerous awards, it brought a new vitality to the writing of
local history with its unique blending of oral reminiscences, politics and
social history.
It is the biography of a working-class generation born in the shadow of the
depression of the 1890s; called to war in 1914; finding its feet in the 1920s
only to be struck down by unemployment in the 1930s; then rescued by the
economic revival of World War II and the long port-war boom.
It concludes with the coming of the new Australians in the 1950s and 1960s.
But it is also the story of the inner Melbourne suburb of Richmond, home of the
legendary 'Tigers', of fierce Labor politicis, of price, loyalty and community.
It is a story of human courage in the face of poverty and of love and friendship
in the face of despair. This portrait of working-class life is moving, powerful
and unforgettable.
Contents:
Preface to New Edition
Preface
1900-1914
1. Birthplace
- The Place
- The People
- The Economy
- The Politics
2. Childhood
- The Family Home
- The Edwardian Baby
- Mothers and Fathers
- Play
- School
1914-1926
3. War and Peace I
- Richmond Goes to War 1914-1918
- Peace and Problems 1919-1926
4. Youth
- Work
- Morals
- Fun
1927-1939
5. Depression and Decay
- Crisis 1927-1930
- Sepsis 1931-1934
- Convalescence 1935-1939
6. Young Marrieds
- The Depression and Private Life
- Marriage and Childbirth
1939-1955
7. War and Peace II
- War and Welfare 1939-1945
- 'Roads, Rats and Rancidity; 1946-1955
8. Middle Life
- Making Good
- Going Bad
1956-1965
9. Death and Rebirth
10. Old Age and Reflections
Notes
Index
Reviews:
'Struggletown is marvellous. Tragedy and farce, comedy and drama, pride and
shame, they are all to be found in Janet McCalman's wonderfully vivid and
compelling account of everyday life and politics in the inner Melbourne
working-class suburb of Richmond.' - John Knott, Labour History
'One of the best books recently published in Australian history' - Judith
Brett, Overland
