Historical information

Biography of William Irwin who migrated to Australia in 1850. He was a digger and a publican during the gold rush in Ballarat. He was publican at the Star Hotel, John O'groats Hotel and the Provincial Hotel. The Star Hotel was closely connected with the story of the Eureka Stockade.

The book in part draws from family correspondence.

Significance

The book's author, Helen Townsend, is Irwin's great-granddaughter.

Relevance to the history of Ballarat, gold mining and the Eureka Stockade. Biographical interest - William Irwin.

Physical description

Paperback book.

Front cover: image of houses surrounded by fields; image of Irwin's Provincial Hotel with people and horses and carts; white and black lettering.

Inscriptions & markings

Front cover: title and author.

Back cover: book synopsis; praise for the book by Tom Keneally.