Cirrus@Austlit

'Matthew Higgins finds intriguing and entertaining moments in oral history interviews with the people of the high country and beyond.'

'Born in a blizzard, Les Leong is adopted into a Chinese-Australian family. He grows up in the declining gold town of Kiandra in the NSW Snowy Mountains and lives through a time in Australia now long past. Les lives the life of a bushman among a captivating array of characters. He has adventures - and misadventures - in the city too. As Les ages, he learns what Australia and the high country really mean, and pursues a quest for understanding bequeathed by Aboriginal forebears. .' (Publication summary)
 

'Grand, wild and windswept, the Australian Alps have played a big part in forging the identity of our nation. Rugged Beyond Imagination examines the lesser-known northern Alps, defined by the Namadgi-Tidbinbilla region of the Australian Capital Territory, and pursues its historical links with Kosciuszko National Park. Drawing on a rich oral history, this book captures the experiences of stockmen and skiers, scientists and surveyors, dam builders and brumby runners to paint a vivid picture of how people were shaped by the mountain environment and how they endeavoured to shape it. Rare and iconic images help to convey the beauty and history of a very special part of Australia.' (Publication summary)