Newcastle

The Lives and Times of a City

Scott Bevan

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English

New South Books
01 October 2025

History; History of other lands; Travel writing

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Newcastle finds itself on shifting ground. But it's not an earthquake, or subsidence due to an old mine. It's perception that's shifting.

Not only is Newcastle dramatically changing, but so are people's views of the city. People are 'discovering' Newcastle. Or, more pointedly, they are seeing Newcastle for what it is. And those from Newcastle are seeing their city in a different light.

In Newcastle Scott Bevan examines the character and the soul of the city he grew up in, its past and where it finds itself. He traverses between early contact with the Awabakal people and missionary Lancelot Threlkeld, Newcastle's convict and industrial past, and its famous children (from Silverchair and the Knights to William Dobell), and explores how the city now juggles a range of roles, including as the world's largest coal export port and a hub of creative talent.

On this journey, we hear the stories of dozens of locals, from community leaders to champion surfers, from rock and rollers to architects and environmentalists, all the while finding out how this place once renowned as 'Steel City' is revealing the 'new' in Newcastle.

'An affectionate and information-packed picture of a great city.'

Bob Hudson

By: Scott Bevan
Imprint: New South Books
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 153mm,
ISBN: 9781742238043
ISBN 10: 1742238041
Pages: 352
Publication Date: 01 October 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Scott Bevan was born in Newcastle and is a writer, journalist, broadcaster and playwright. He is the author of The Hunter, The Harbour: A city's heart, a country's soul, Battle Lines: Australian Artists at War, Water from the Moon: A Biography of John Fawcett and Bill: The Life of William Dobell. His documentary work includes Oll: The Life & Art of Margaret Olley, The Hunter and Arthur Philip: Governor, Sailor, Spy.