Smith, Simon (2017) James Seccull: A Tale of Two Families. Maverick Publications, Elwood, Victoria.

Abstract

James Seccull: a tale of two families is a story that traverses 170 years across three continents, experiencing first-hand the enclosures of English farmland, the industrial revolution, epidemics, the impact of tribal wars, Great Depressions, two world wars and the building of a nation. There is mystery, there is cricketing fame, there is family tragedy, there is determination against adversity and the Red Baron also makes an appearance. It is a story not just of survival but the triumph of the human spirit. Starting in a charming English village, the story follows James Seccull as he migrates in 1862 first to South Africa and then to Melbourne, Australia. It follows him as he establishes his building business and participates in building 'Marvelous Melbourne'. After his first wife dies he remarries and has a second family. Two sons from that marriage build the family construction business into one of the largest in Melbourne. Meanwhile, a son and grandchildren of the first family descend into poverty but eventually triumph against adversity. James Seccull: a tale of two families tells these stories.

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