Cirrus@Austlit

Terence and Francis O'Neill's Australian Children's Books to 1980 : A Select Bibliography of the Colllection Held in the National Library of Australia (1989): 113 comments: ' Three Australians play important roles in this story.'

Author's preface states: 'In this story I have endeavoured to give a fleeting glimpse of the lives of the dauntless pioneers who, in their search for treasure, roll back the mist clouds, which still hang heavily over the hinterlands of some of Britain's remote possessions. The quest of diamonds and other gems, gold, or the ores of commerce is their avowed object; but the fascination of the Unknown is the real reason of their wandering lives, and often, when material fortunes lie within their reach, they pass on. The love of untrammelled freedom and of true comradeship is stronger within them than the desire for mere wealth [...] Doc, the ever cool and resourceful; the gentle Parson of the strong arm; Kangaroo Dave, the softhearted, simple-minded, and courageous son of the great Austral Land; Boston Bob, the immaculate product of a famous American university; Big Tassy, the born wanderer; and most of the others were my comrades, and I am proud of them. They, with others not less well-known, still pursue the elusive quest of Eldorado throughout the earth and its surrounding waters, and if the fates are kind — will yet again be with them'.

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