The story of Gippsland is a sum of many parts, and the whole is greater than those parts. Gippsland in many ways is the last frontier of Victoria. The nature of the land, the forests and the seas made sure of that.

Here, in one volume, is a history of Gippsland that collects those parts and uses them to paint a picture of Gippsland over the last two hundred years. It shows the exploration, the development and the progress, along with the difficulties and joys, hazards and successes of mostly average people — the little people of history. In their story lies the real history of the Province. It shows how they lived, where and why.

Lightly told, but authoritative, this book pays tribute to a region that has been of vital importance to Victoria and Australia. Most of Victoria's coal, its electricity, gas, and oil, pass through a narrow 'corridor' to Melbourne and the rest of Australia. Yet this wealth was preceded by pioneers who faced daunting barriers to succeed. Some survived and others didn't, but all showed the spirit of Australia's pioneers.

They are all here in an easily readable book that tells the story of Gippsland and pays tribute to those who had the vision to give us what we have today.