The first volume covers information from the discovery of Australia, through to the exploration of Victoria and the first settlers to the pioneers. It then continues on to discuss immigration, the era of gold, the development of government, agriculture, music and art, literature and the metropolis of Melbourne.

Contents: The early discoverers of Australia p1. The aboriginal era p15. The exploration of the coasts of Victoria p31. The first attempted settlement p46. The exploration of Victoria p65. The Portland Bay settlement p79. John Batman p94. John Pascoe Fawkner p112. The pioneers of 1836 p127. The pioneers of 1837 p143. The infant colony 1838-1839 p161. The era of immigration 1840-1844 p180. The pioneers of Gippsland and the Wimmera 1840-1846 p206. Treatment of the aboriginals (aborigines) 1838-1846 p229. The squatting era 1846-1851 p256. Separation from New South Wales 1840-1851 p275. Discovery of gold 1851 p295. The era of gold 1852-1855 p324. The era of democracy 1854-1860 p357. Burke and Wills 1860 p387. Protection to native industry 1860-1866 p405. The deadlock 1866-1869 p429. The era of agriculture 1869-1875 p444. The era of manufactures 1875-1880 p463. Recent times 1880-1888 p479. Literature and art in Victoria p491. Music and drama p506. Education and science in Victoria p520. The Metropolis p541. The churches in Victoria p577.

Vol. 2 includes biographical details of persons and companies.

Also available on CD