Book Reviews
A review of the growth and development of any suburb in the Australian city bespeaks volumes of the hardship suffered by the new settlers and the tenacity with which they clung to their new life. Claremont: A History is one of the all too few histories that address the growth and development of an Australian suburb over the long-term.
Geoffrey Bolton and Jenny Gregory have collaborated on a text that provides a well-rounded history of Claremont, Perth, from the time of the first settlers through to the 1990s and the pressures of late twentieth-century development on the area.
The early phase of Claremont’s history is dealt with in some detail, as it was the events of this period that provided the stamp of respectability. John Butler’s attempts to claim ownership of the Freshwater Bay region make delightful reading in the early chapters. The acceptance of the settlers by the Mooro Aboriginal people during this period is revealed, as too is the later anxiety and confusion the tribe felt for the loss of their land as the suburb developed around them. The authors captured the poignancy of this loss well: it recurs as an underlying theme throughout the period under review.
The aim of this book is stated as recapturing the “way of life of Claremont’s citizens over the past century, their home, pastimes and schooling, and their attempts to preserve an agreeable lifestyle and environment”. The material is presented in chronological order with chapters focussing on major events throughout the history of the town. An interesting addition to this type of historical writing is the contribution by long-time residents, Paul Hasluck and George Seddon.
A wide range of sources from local and national repositories were drawn upon for this publication. They were used judiciously to provide the reader with an interesting and informative array of maps, photographs, illustrations and drawings. It is unfortunate that some are undated, while others receive only a cursory reference in the literature — a small oversight but one that diminishes an otherwise excellent presentation.
This book is written easily and with style. Geoffrey Bolton and Jenny Gregory have collaborated in a memorable text that draws the reader into the lives and the environment of Claremont’s citizens. The social complexity of this Perth suburb and the manner with which it is presented in the work will ensure, and is recommended to, a wide range of potential readers and purchasers.
In the later decades of the twentieth century a greater number of suburban histories are being produced. Claremont: A History sets a high standard for this genre and can be used as an example for future histories of this type.
