The Real John Wren by Hugh Buggy

Book Description

Secondhand. Very good condition. Minor wear to book corners and edges. A few blank endpages at back of book has been nibble at the top corner.

John Wren began to build his fortune in Melbourne in the 1890s when he escaped factory work by setting up the infamous Collingwood tote with his race-track winnings.

Throughout the sixty years, he spent expanding his business empire, which included racecourses, boxing stadiums, goldmines, newspapers, sheep stations, picture theatres, hotels and cafes, Wren was surrounded by controversy, rumours and moral outrage. This culminated in the 1950 publication of Frank Hardy's novel Power Without Glory.

Since then, many Australians have associated John Wren with Hardy's notorious character John West. But what is the truth about John Wren? (back cover)