100 Australian Legends – The People Who Shaped a Nation
Reviewed By Janet Mawdesley September 2, 2014
Author Richard Simpkin
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ISBN: 9781742574929
Publisher: New Holland Publishers
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Website: http://www.newhollandpublishers.com
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In this superb collection of Famous Australians, photographer Richard Simpkin has created a book that encapsulates much of the history of the Australian people. In doing so has delivered a ‘memoir’ to so many who have added that little bit extra to shape not only the past, but the future of Australia.
People captured in a timeless manner in this book range from sporting greats in Sir Donald Bradman to politicians, media moguls, World War 1 veterans, country singer Slim Dusty and so many, many more.
Each person has a fascinating story to tell as they add their little bit to the fabric of Australian history. On these pages their stories come alive again for a new generation and for reflections of an older generation.
A number of the people are no longer living which makes their tales the richer for the telling and even more astonishing, such as that of Nancy Wake, who, at the age of 29, command of more than 7000 resistance fighters in France during WW 2 and was on the most wanted list for the Gestapo.
Many in the book are still well known household names today and all have been household names over the past eighty years or more, with some more familiar than others.
Each photograph captures the essence of the person portrayed, their story tells who they are and were, their contribution to the nation and adds a personality to the image, bringing them alive on the page.
There is an little section with each picture on how and when Simpkin came to meet his subjects which in the story of Smoky Dawson, country singer and great yarn teller, brings a smile, as, when he had his hat on he was Smoky, but when it was off he was Herb. It tells you a lot about the man himself in those few words.
Actor David Gulpilil features with his image showing that he is more than just an actor and how he has lived his life; his face is his roadmap. Swimmer Dawn Frazer, beams from the pages, while Barry Humphries, entertainer and comedian, looks out with his trademark slightly humorous expression he uses when he is finding life just that little ‘intriguing’.
100 Australian Legends is a great collection of Australian’s which will make an idea resource for students of Australian history and a wonderful addition to the library of anyone who has an interest in the people behind the legends who gave to and helped make Australia what is today.