Melbourne Rare Book Week

Recently, community historian Weston Bate’s library was donated to the RHSV. Amongst its gems was a rare book, Scapegoats of the Empire, written in Lancefield and published in 1907, concerning military crimes half a world away in South Africa. The author, George Witton, was the 3rd defendant in the military trial for murder brought against Breaker Morant and Peter Handcock. Morant and Handcock were executed by firing squad and Witton was jailed for life. Less than 3 years later Witton was released and returned home to Australia to write his dubious memoir. Join distinguished historian Dr Andrew Lemon AM as he explores not just Scapegoats but also the rich literature that is spawned when the truth gets murky.

Presented by: Royal Historical Society of Victoria at Royal Historical Society of Victoria, 328 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne