Books & Literature

Book Review: Charles Todd’s Magnificent Obsession, by David Duffy

NON-FICTION: The construction of the Overland Telegraph in 1870 is an extraordinary feat of engineering and a wild gamble that nearly went terribly wrong.

Intensely researched, bringing to light the real significance of the Telegraph Station in Alice Springs. A part of history that all South Australians should know about!
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Feature image credit: Allen & Unwin

Funded by the South Australian government more than 150 years ago, the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line, which connected Australia to the rest of the world, could just as easily have failed. Our state has achieved many firsts, and as one of the great engineering feats of the 19th century that overcame immense challenges, this is a story all of us locals would enjoy. Whilst Aboriginal perspectives are not directly presented in the text, their inclusion highlights their significant role in the successful completion of the track.

Written by historian David Duffy, winner of the 2017 Nib Military History Prize for Nabbing Ned Kelly and The Secret Code-Breakers of Central Bureau, you can trust that the research is extensive and comes from multiple sources (which are listed at the back). Made up of seven parts, with 61 chapters in total, the scale of the build was from Adelaide to Darwin harbour (over 3,000 kilometres) within a timeframe of just 18 months. In the 1870s, this was hard work – poles and stringing wires to them – and travelling by horse, camel, or boat.

Delays were caused by inclement weather, unfamiliarity with the landscape, and challenging natural terrain, though these factors were downplayed amid the political controversies. This large-scale endeavour was used to spark intense debate, and it became embroiled in politics, causing significant delays and cost blowouts. Despite being the expert, overseer Charles Todd had to contend with differing views on its execution. Duffy’s portrayal of Todd in the novel shows us how much Todd’s success had to do with his character as well as his technical skills.

What I enjoyed (whether it was Duffy’s intention or not) is how the Aboriginal history is intertwined within the narrative. Whilst the focus of the book is the telegraph line as a significant event in colonial history and in Australia’s global connectivity, the depiction of exchanges of the many nations whose lands were invaded at the time invites thought. As I have recently read Dirrayawadha: Rise Up by Anita Heiss, I was once again reminded of the stark contrasts in how Aboriginal people were treated across different parts of Australia.

Charles Todd’s approach seemed to advocate for cooperation as he created specific work directives for staff he engaged. The directives reflected a cooperative approach and encouraged trading of goods to foster positive relationships with Aboriginals who they met. The book does not delve deeply into whether his policies were driven by a genuine respect for their culture or simply a practical necessity to ensure the project’s success (as it is clear in the development of Todd’s character that he was a pragmatic man).

Duffy’s portrayal of Todd’s pragmatism is essential as failure was omnipresent. Throughout the novel there are stories of explorers that perished, or the finding of provisions left behind by persons unknown. Todd also had some key staff such as Robert Patterson, an engineer who took over the northern section of the line after the previous contractors were sacked, who undermined Todd throughout. There is little character development of the other people in the book; and only occasional references to Todd’s personal life (his wife Alice and children).

The book at times is very work focused, true to its title. However, it is sufficiently personal to engage most readers. The other (incidental) part I found rewarding was reading about the towns I have travelled to and that they passed through – Daly River, Macdonnell Ranges, Charlotte Waters, and Mparntwe (the Arrernte name for Alice Springs) – to name a few. I also enjoyed the fun facts about how places were named, such as Alice Springs, which an obsequious worker named after Todd’s wife, Alice.

Reviewed by Rebecca Wu

The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.

Distributed by: Allen & Unwin
Released: September 2024
RRP: $34.99

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