In 1868 Prince Alfred, Australia's first royal visitor was shot by Irishman Henry James O'Farrell. The Prince was not seriously injured. The Colonial Secretary at the time, Henry Parkes claimed this was part of a plot by a secret Fenian organisation although no "Fenians" were ever found despite Parke's persistent and zealous searching. (The Fenians wanted a return to Ireland's independence and removal of all the english from Ireland). Parkes used his political position to foster public hysteria and passed The Treason Felony Act.
This books give a detailed account of the political situation of the day, the relationships between Catholics & Protestants and the emerging values of an independent colony.
It was full of information although it did lose my interest towards the end. ( )