John Watt

The Ghosts Have Never Left John Watt

An unsurpassed surge of humanity

In words and images this book seeks to capture both the glory days and haunting reminders of 21 Victorian Gold Rush towns, that today are either small, sleepy or non-existent.

The authors have also identified slices of important, and often little known, history associated with each of the 21 towns. Topics as diverse as the lights of Cobb & Co, the pen of Henry Handel Richardson, the sinking of the HMAS Sydney, and the birth of an iconic wine, all have a link to at least one of the towns explored.

Praise for The Ghosts Have Never Left

'A loving, haunting, fitting tribute to the material legacy of a generation of dreamers and schemers. The Ghosts Have Never Left is a rich addition to the lode of goldrush literature.' - Professor Clare Wright OAM, author of The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka

'You have taken me to places I didn't know existed. Told me stories I had never heard before. Every Victorian should make this delightful book compulsory reading. Go and visit.' - Hon. Ted Baillieu AO, Former Premier of Victoria

'This beautiful book brings to life neglected stories of Victoria's gold rush era. The history of the small gold rush towns, some of which have disappeared completely, makes fascinating reading.' - Hon. Steve Bracks AC, Former Premier of Victoria

'This is a stunning book that has an important role to play. It needs to be in every library and for sale in every tourist information centre in Victoria. The photographs incorporating the infrared method of capture are critical to the mystical feel of the images.' - Ellie Young, Owner and Director, Gold Street Studios, Trentham East

'What an extraordinary tribute to Victoria's goldfields history. A haunting, eerie evocation of places that are thronged with ghosts.' - Jane Sullivan, Senior Contributor, The Age