The Stained Man: A Crime, a Scandal, and the Making of a Nation
Scandal Making: The Stained Man is Patrick Mullins’s account of the George Dean poisoning case and solicitor Richard Meagher’s effort to restore his reputation, set against the formation of the Australian nation. This 512-page English-language book combines true crime, legal history and political biography across the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
At a glance
- Reconstructs the attempted-poisoning case against ferryman George Dean and the public campaign led by solicitor Richard Meagher.
- Follows Meagher’s decades-long attempt to regain his reputation, including his rise to high political office.
- Connects a notorious Sydney scandal with Australian legal, political and national history.
Reference price: $39.99
Price checked: 14 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The case-led narrative links courtroom events, public opinion and political ambition in one historical account.
- Its 512-page length allows the story to cover both the original scandal and Meagher’s later career.
Technical specifications
7 specifications| Publisher | Scribe Publications |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 28 April 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 512 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1761381954 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-1761381959 |
| Dimensions | 15.4 x 3.8 x 23.4 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers of Australian true crime, legal history and political biography.
- Readers interested in late-19th- and early-20th-century Australian society and nation formation.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
31% 31% - 4 stars
69% 69% - 3 stars
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The supplied information contains aggregate ratings but no customer comments, so it does not establish what readers praised or criticised. The small rating sample is broadly positive, but it is too limited to show how readers respond to the book’s detailed historical scope or its treatment of the case.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Stained Man about?
It tells the story of the George Dean attempted-poisoning case and Richard Meagher’s campaign to recover his reputation, connecting both to Australian politics and nation formation.
Who is the book by?
The supplied listing identifies Patrick Mullins as the author.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 512 pages.
What language is it in?
The listing specifies English.
