Diggers, Hatters & Whores

Diggers, Hatters & Whores is a 2008 history of gold rushes in New Zealand by Stevan Eldred-Grigg.

The book's thesis is that the rushes presented a challenge to the economic status quo in New Zealand, which was at the time politically and economically controlled by farmer politicians. The book details the social and economic factors that drove people, both New Zealanders and foreigners, to dig for gold, and examines the degree to which they were able to fulfil their goals of social and economic independence.

Eldred-Grigg has been particularly acclaimed for his work on homosexuality, prostitution and the role of Chinese immigrants on the goldfields.

References

• Review in the Nelson Mail, accessed 16-06-09