This publication is a unique and interesting history of early Melbourne (1835-1851) in the form of detailed and intriguing stories and anecdotes, written by Edmund Finn ("Garryowen") in 1888. The two volumes of the book are structures as 68 chapters covering subjects such as: the beginnings of Melbourne, the official development of the municipality and it's government, religious denominations, institutions, companies and infrastructure. It also includes anecdotes from and about the gold era, separation from New South Wales, early executions, bushrangers, Black Thursday and many other historical places, events and people of early Melbourne. Illustrations of people and places are scattered throughout both volumes. A supplementary volume (volume 3, reference only) contains 'The life of Edmund Finn' by Michael Cannon and a descriptive index by Neil Swift.