For the last 15 years or so Dale Campisi has made it his business to get to know Melbourne. At first it was just to find the right bar, cafe or restaurant for this or that occasion, but the city got under his skin.

Dale got his first look into this colourful city during his Australian history studies at university, and went on to uncover some its lesser-known stories as publisher of Arcade Publications' little books.

For a time Dale worked at the Public Record Office, and lead regular tours for Melbourne Central shopping mall and Hidden Secrets Tours. Over the years, Dale has written a number of travel guides to Victoria and Tasmania, including Melbourne: A City of Villages and Hide & Seek Hobart.

Dale does all his exploring with his partner Brady Michaels, whose photography is included in this book. Together Dale and Brady are 'the Gents'.