Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By Graham Seal, Allen & Unwin, $34.99.
At long last, we are back to regular travelling and first things first — we need to discover our own backyard. Funny, curious and downright astonishing stories from across a big country
Graham Seal, Emeritus Professor of Folklore at Curtin University, is an acknowledged expert on Australian cultural history. He takes us on a storytelling tour, from iconic destinations to tiny settlements, remote landmarks and little-known corners of this vast continent. Included are stories from every Australian state.
“In a country the size of Australia there are many places and a lot of things have happened in them. Wherever you go – around, across or over this continent – you will stumble into ancient legends, tales of exploration and discovery, yarns of the roaring days of gold and bushranging, war exploits, unexplained events, crimes and a seemingly never-ending cast of sometimes quirky characters. Every tongue has a tale to tell, every pen a story to write and everyone has an ear to listen.”
“This ongoing conversation tells us a lot about the land, those who have lived there and those who still do. From the most local to the most nationally significant, places are a fundamental part of our lives and understanding of the world.”
Seal discovers the true stories behind the immortal Aussie songs about the pub with no beer and the land where the crow flies backwards. He visits sites precious to First Nations people and others precious to recent arrivals; he uncovers hair-raising stories in dangerous place; and he tracks down the elusive Everywhere Man. He also investigates mysterious natural phenomena and unsolved crimes and takes us to locations of gruesome crimes and secret installations.
Planning a road trip or indulging in an evening (or two) of armchair travel, Seal’s book will leave you in disbelief, cause amusement and agreeably hold your attention.
