Cirrus@Austlit

'Foundation Day tells of the voyage of two men who first circumnavigated the continent and first named it ‘Australia’: Captain Flinders and Mr Bungare. And Trim, the cat. The jaunty rhythms and rhymes of Ted Egan’s song makes the educational content go down like honey – and after you read it to your child, you can scan the QR code and leave him or her with the phone to hear the song on the video clip that plays.  Discover their delight.' (Publication summary)

'They don't make them like Ted any more. The quintessential bush storyteller, he has rubbed shoulders with some of the best-known and least-known of his countrymen and women, and he can wring a heart-wrenching song out of a beer carton. Born to a working family in Melbourne's Coburg, he has never had a music lesson. Nonetheless many of his songs about Australia are now classics. Through his stories of childhood in WWII, teaching in a bush school, working with Aboriginal people in the Gulf Country, and performing in Alice Springs and around the country, Ted Egan brings back to life an Australia that has largely disappeared. His encounters offer insights into national politics and everyday life over the past eight decades. His generosity of spirit and his deep understanding of his country shine from every page.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'By turns reflective, tragic and hilarious, Turn Left at the Devil Tree is the story of a visiting teacher in remote Aboriginal Australia. Accompanied by a ‘rough-tough hunting dog’ named Turkey, Derek Pugh founded several outstation schools in the most isolated parts of Arnhem Land.

'Spending many years among the people and wildlife of the Top End of the Northern Territory, Derek Pugh reveled in the lifestyle and freedom of the bush and gained an insight into a traditional culture which has been witnessed by only a few outsiders. Told with respect and candor Turn Left at the Devil Tree is Pugh’s ‘slice of history’. ' (Publisher's blurb)

'Explores murders of five Japanese trepang fishermen at Caledon Bay, East Arnhem Land, by Yolngu men and of William Fagan and Frank Traynor on Woodah Island; investigations into murders, including patrol during which Constable McColl murdered by Tuckiar; questions raised by author about patrol's actions; looks at actions of those involved in murders and invesitgations; disputes, discussions, correspondence and government actions regarding a punitive expedition versus negotiation by missionaries; missionaries' role and actions; trials, sentences and Tuckiar's appeal; disappearance of Tuckiar; appraisal of tribal life and law versus British law and of actions taken by all involved. ' (Source: TROVE)