'This is an absorbing book about an astonishing Australian whose under-recognition is a national embarrassment. H. G. Wilkins was an intrepid polar explorer, an outstanding war photographer, an innovative research scientist, a resourceful engineer, pilot and geographer, and much else besides. Unfailingly dedicated and principled, Wilkins was also modest and elusive, quirky and enigmatic. He was so extraordinary at the Western Front that John Monash kept describing him as the bravest man in the AIF until Wilkins asked Monash to stop' (Introduction)