Cirrus@Austlit

'This long anticipated follow-up to the hugely successful and popular Lost for Words revisits the rich, inventive and rogueish language Australians used to speak, before globalism stole it away.

'Hundreds of readers have responded to author Hugh Lunn′s request and donated a torrent of forgotten words and sayings that he overlooked in his first book.

'"So many arrived it was like trying to take a sip out of a fire hose," Hugh said. "And these words were so obvious, that if they were a snake, they would have bitten me by now."

'Words Fail Me intertwines the sayings and phrases of yesteryear with true stories and anecdotes and recaptures what Australia used to be like back when.

'Hugh also casts a satirical eye on modern language madnesses: the road signs, the asterisks, the gobbledegook andcorporate speak that have replaced our euphonious direct language. As they would say today: "He is having issues!"

'Lovingly collected, Words Fail Me takes delight in the way we once were; a people with their own unique lingo --- clear, exaggerated and joyful.' (From the publisher's website.)

'When a passing French tennis superstar gave the young Ken Fletcher his tennis racquet, he didn't know what he'd started. Ken Fletcher took the racquet, which was far too too big for him, tucked its handle under his armpit and with a determination and enthusiasm borne of boredom, began to bang the ball against a board in this back garden, using his whole body to get behind the ball. One day Kenny would thrill the crowds and dismay his opponents at Wimbledon with this forehand, which Harry Hopman would later call 'the best forehand in the world'. It helped young Ken win five doubles titles and, at age eighteen, propelled him into the world of casinos, chaffeur-driven cars, beautiful women and applauding crowds. Award-winning author Hugh Lunn has written a humorous and insightful account of the life of his childhood friend. He explores how a boy from Annesley Junction turned into a champion tennis player, and with his trademark humour and style he not only brings us the life of a sporting great, he paints us a picture of a more innocent time in Australian history.'(Production summary)

A copy of Over the Top with Jim was sent by a listener to Ian McNamara, presenter of the ABC radio program 'Australia All Over'. McNamara serialised the book on air, and it then became the focus of a travelling show, with Hugh Lunn appearing on stage as part of a national tour. On the Road to Anywhere tells the story of that tour.

(Source: Hodder Headline website, http://www.hha.com.au/)