Most people are familiar with the American Civil War, waged between the eventually victorious northern Union states and the breakaway southern Confederate states from 1861 to 1865: a conflict largely triggered by the South's refusal to abolish slavery.

Most, though, would probably be unfamiliar with Australia's connection to the war resulting from the Confederate raider Shenandoah's arrival in Port Phillip Bay in January 1865 and its consequences. Among these, as the subtitle to Australian journalist Terry Smyth's Australian Confederates states, was "how 42 Australians joined the rebel cause and fired the last shot in the American Civil War".

This fascinating footnote to Australian, Civil War and maritime history is given a thorough and deserved airing by Smyth, appropriately in the 150th anniversary of the war's end.

Throughout the war, Smyth explains, the British government maintained a neutrality policy, so the Australian colonies, along with other parts of the empire, were obliged to follow suit. However, most people in NSW and South Australia backed the North, while in Queensland and Victoria opinion was arguably polarised.

Polarised or not, when the Shenandoah, captained by "quintessential Southern gentleman" Lieutenant Commander James Waddell, hove to off Melbourne for supplies and repairs, it ignited a popular sensation.

Melburnians were agog at this exotic arrival and flocked to visit the sail-and-steam-powered ship, while the Confederates were provided with courtesy city rail passes to allow easy access to the city's delights. The officers were even entertained by the prestigious Melbourne Club and given a ball at Ballarat.

Dissenting voices were heard, particularly the US consul's, but mainly ignored. Master's Mate Cornelius Hunt described the sojourn being like "one continuous fete".

One thing the Shenandoah had lacked from the outset of its mission in 1864 specifically to target the Yankee whaling fleet, was a full complement of crew. This was partly remedied in Melbourne by the 42 new recruits, who surreptitiously boarded the ship and sailed with it in February 1865.

Although the war effectively ended in April, the Shenandoah's crew remained unaware of this, and when told otherwise would not accept the news without proof. Hence, until late June it continued capturing ships and cargo and sinking ships. Proof came in August, the reckoning to follow.

The Shenandoah's exploits and Australian connection are central to the book, yet by providing much additional information and background about the war, the South and then-Australian society, Smyth's broad brush has a produced a colourful and impressive canvas indeed.