Leviathan: The unauthorised biography of Sydney

A monster of a book, "Leviathan" takes a bit of a scattergun approach to the history of Sydney, including sections on important moments like the Rum Rebellion and the convict era but missing others in favour of perhaps not quite so important sections on corpse ratting and the like.

Birmingham's style of writing can eventually grate but "Leviathan" is a good read that will remind you of Sydney's lurid past. And, yes, I had never heard of corpse ratting until I read the book and I'm not sure if I want to know about it now.

An interesting look at the connection between crime and politics which has been part of the fabric of society since the arrival in Sydney of the first convicts.
I feel the essence of larrikanism in John Birmingham's writing and this book contains many humerous moments while providing a very informative history.

It would be a shame if this book was overlooked by people who didn't like 'He Died with a Falafel in his hand', because it's a very interesting book.

The back of the book describes it as the 'alternative history of Sydney', and that's what it is. It does go into the well-known aspects of Sydney's past, but it delves much further than that, into seediness and politics, stories of minority groups and interesting individuals. Birmingham attempts to attach human faces to the city's history and succeeds quite well.

I couldn't put the book down while I was reading it. I made the mistake of lending it to my Father a couple of years ago. It was passed from hand to hand and it's only recently rediscovered it's rightful place in my bookshelf.

It show more jumps around a bit, but that's OK because it never loses its readability and each transition is clearly marked and makes sense.

If you come from or live in Sydney read this book. It will add another dimension to other works you can read on the topic. show less

Detailed, witty, funny and wonderfully woven together into a page turning narrative.

Very well-written history book; a shame it never came out in the US or UK. The author is currently working on a new edition, according to his blog.

This book provides an interesting insight into the dark depths of the history of Sydney. Who knew such a young city could have such a colourful history of corruption and crime.