Beyond the Ladies Lounge

In 1889 anyone posessed of a deep thirst and a restless spirit could have embarked on a pub crawl across central Melbourne without propping up a single bar that wasn't overseen by a woman. From Menies Hotel to the Harp of Erin - through the Golden Fleece, the Strangers Home and countless other establishments - the city was awash with female publicans. But as Clare Wright points out, this was far froma historical anomaly. In her pioneering first book she digs deep into the arhcival and personal record to challenge the long-standing myth of the Australian pub as a bastion of male enterprise and amusement. Instead, she finds strong-minded women building not just successful businesses but vibrant communities and enduring traditions. A work of scholarship,good humour and great affection, *Beyond the Ladies Lounge* restores these remarkable women to their rightfulplace in history.