John and Charles Enys: Castle Hill Runholders (1864-1891) records the story of two Cornish brothers who ran the Castle Hill sheep run for more than 25 years in the late 19th century. Extracts from letters by both brothers and paintings by Charles that they sent to their family at Enys in Cornwell give a fascinating insight into a lost way of life.

This book records the story of these neglected pioneers who painted and wrote about their adventures. The paintings by Charles Enys now mainly in the National Library of Australia are matched by photographs taken John O'Malley of today's Castle Hill. Historic photographs complement the paintings (some of which Charles painted using photographs). Other John O'Malley photographs feature the stunning scenery of Castle Hill.

Pioneer sheep farmers, John and Charles Enys, enjoyed an adventurous life. While at times busy mustering and shearing they also hunted, fished, rode, went boating. As well they explored the hills and valleys collecting interesting specimens of rocks, fossils, moa bones, plants and insects.

This book tells of the importance of John Enys in the early Canterbury settlement. He served on many committees, including the Selwyn County Council and the Canterbury Provincial Council. He shared an interest in nature with Julius von Haast, and was involved in founding of Canterbury Museum and the public library. He was a great collector of species and wrote academic papers about them.

Charles sketched images of the views around their home and neighbouring homesteads, such as Craigieburn, Grasmere, Cora Lynn and Mt White. His paintings included landscape features such as waterfalls, mountains, rivers, lakes and the limestone rocks characteristic of Castle Hill.

Unpublished letters from Enys and Porter family members add to the story.