Heads and Tails

The Story of The Kalgoorlie Two-Up School

By Danny Sheehan with Wayne Lamotte

Published by Author, printed by Wescolour Press, 1985, [First Edition] [Signed], ISBN 095894430, black and white photographs and illustrations throughout text, paperback with wraps

Very Good Condition, Signed by Author on title page, minor edge and shelf wear, minor rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, no inscriptions, crease to top corner front cover, uncreased spine (see photographs)

“This well researched and highly interesting book is a first ever study of Australia’s national game.  It traces two-up’s early beginnings when the First Fleet arrived in 1788 and, in particular, provides an in depth look at its development on the Goldfields of Western Australia.
The unique Kalgoorlie two-up school is traced from its infancy during the gold rushes of the 1890s until its final legalisation in 1983.  The backdrop of history which includes gold discoveries, race riots, gold stealing, prostitution and political intrigue provides a fascinating glimpse of life on the Goldfields which few Australian towns have ever experienced.
This book also captures many of the humorous and colourful stories about the characters who followed the pennies and attempted to escape capture by the police.  News items of the day and cartoons are interspersed throughout the narrative to produce a realistic but light-hearted read.
It contains a chapter on systems that gamblers have devised in their attempts to beat the pennies.  They contain a measure of wisdom, common sense and a dash of humour.  It also presents an insider’s view of what it feels like to run Australia’s only legal two-up school.  Topics which rane from the inter-mixing of all nationalities, different spinning styles, the negative effects of gambling, fads and fashions at the game to advice on how to hold up the kip are presented in this unusual book.”