A Labour of Love - the Public Works of Carlo Catani

 A new book on Carlo Catani has just been released A Labour of Love - the Public Works of Carlo Catani Victoria 1876-1918, written and researched by Isaac Douglas Hermann.

The cover of the book. 

It is, as the blurb says - A resource book - a companion - for anyone researching Carlo Catani, or the extraordinary  and generous influence this Italian-born engineer had on the landscapes of inner Melbourne and across Victoria...It is a compendium that befits the life and legacy of this brilliant son of Florence, who went on to become one of Victoria's most revered and beloved public servants - David Brand, Architect and former City of Port Phillip Councillor.

The book looks at the life and work of Carlo Catani, covering such themes as his Accomplishments in areas including Roadways, Bridges, Drainage works, Parks & Gardens; Recognition such as the locations and streets named after him; Historical praise and the Centennial Commemorations of his untimely death in 1918. The most important commemoration, I believe, was the erection of a headstone on the unmarked Catani family grave at the Brighton Cemetery. This project to honour Carlo and his family was led by Isaac - he instigated the process, raised the funds, negotiated the permissions and designed the lovely headstone. Carlo Catani and his family now have the fitting headstone that they deserve and it was, indeed, a labour of love and respect on Isaac's part. 

The Catani family headstone, unveiled December 11, 2018, 

designed by Isaac as a tribute to Carlo and his family.

You can read more about the unveiling ceremony, here.

This blog was inspired by Isaac's enthusiasm with Carlo and I am grateful to him for sharing his research, which was and still is, often the impetus for my stories. I was thrilled to be there today when the books arrived from the printers, and seriously, I could not have been more excited to see the books than if they were my own books!

Isaac holding copies of his new book - A Labour of Love

Congratulations, Isaac. It is a lovely book, the product of four years of research and your own labour of love.

The publication of this book was generously supported by the Middle Park History Group, the St Kilda Historical Society and the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society. The books will be available for sale through the St Kilda Historical Society and the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society and soon at local (St Kilda/Elwood) bookshops.