Kings in Grass Castles is a 1959 book of history by Dame Mary Durack (1913–1994). The book is considered a classic of Australian literature.
It is the story of Durack's pioneering family establishing its pastoral interests in the Australian outback during the 19th century and concerns the life and times of Durack's grandfather Patrick Durack, an Irish immigrant who became a leader of the overlanders who brought their cattle on hoof to south west Queensland and then later to the tropical north of Western Australia. The book was notable for its portrayal of the role of women and families in the pastoral industry and collaboration and respect between the pastoralists and local Aboriginal peoples.
Durack published a sequel, Sons in the Saddle, in 1983.
Contents
TV miniseries
Kings in Grass Castles was made into a TV miniseries in 1998.
Cast
Ritchie Singer as Sam Emmanuel
Ernie Dingo as Jimmy
Essie Davis as Mary Costello
David Ngoombujarra as Burrakin
Stephen Dillane as Patsy
Susan Lynch as Sarah
Max Cullen as Mr Costello
Brian Rooney as JW (aged 19)
Trevor Jamieson as Boontamurra Youth
Wayne Scott Kermond as Stumpy Michael