Wild Ride: Cobb And Co

Cobb & Co. carried passengers and mail throughout the eastern colonies - providing, in some cases, the only means of transport and communication between isolated outposts. Less well known is the vastness and wealth of its sheep and cattle stations, assets that elevated Rutherford and his partners into wealthy landowners, bringing them a social standing and influence that was a far cry from their early beginnings.

James Rutherford was a force to be reckoned with and for more than forty years his drive, bloody-mindedness and vision were behind the Cobb & Co empire. However, were these same character traits also instrumental to its demise? The author's unprecedented access to letters and diaries of key Cobb & Co partners - the Rutherford and Whitney families - brings to life their personal tragedy, financial crises, bitter conflict and flawed characters. It provides for the first time the startling facts behind the rise and fall of this Australian icon. Set against the colourful backdrop of a fledgling nation, 'Wild Ride' documents the truth behind the legend.