There were few bushrangers whose influence extended as far as that of Frank Gardiner. Handsome, clever, charismatic and dangerous, he inspired many young man to abandon the drudgery of their honest work and turn to highway robbery. So strong was his influence that it set in motion a craze known as Gardinerism.
Gardiner was the leader on f the infamous Gold Escort robber at Eugowra Rocks; he was the one who almost got away with the crime, escaping to Queensland and running a successful public house until his eventual, controversial arrest. Such was the mans charm and influence that respectable citizens petitioned successfully on his behalf and Gardiner was released early from gaol amid a storm of controversy.
This book outlines the life of Frank Gardiner, his descent into crime and the mystery of his final years in exile.
