Banjo by Grantlee Kieza

Book Description

Secondhand. Near fine condition.

A B 'Banjo' Paterson is recognised as Australia's greatest storyteller and most celebrated poet, the boy from the bush who became the voice of a generation. He gave the nation its unofficial national anthem Waltzing Matilda and treasured ballads such as The Man from Snowy River and Clancy of the Overflow, vivid creations that helped to define Australia's national identity.

But there is more to Banjo's story. In this landmark biography, award-winning writer Grantlee Kieza chronicles a rich and varied life that straddled two centuries and saw Australia transform from a far-flung colony to a fully-fledged nation.

Born in the bush, as a boy, Banjo rode his pony to a one-room school along a trail frequented by outlaw Ben Hall. As a young man, he befriended Breaker Morant, and covered the second Boer War as a reporter. He fudged his age to enlist during World War I, ultimately driving an ambulance before commanding a horse training unit during that conflict.

Newspaper editor, columnist, foreign correspondent and ABC broadcaster, he knew countless luminaries of his time, including Rudyard Kipling, Winston Churchill, Field Marshal Haig and Henry Lawson.

The tennis ace, notorious ladies' man, brilliant jockey and celebrated polo player was an eye-witness to countless key moments in Australian history and saw Carbine and Phar Lap race.

Extensively researched and written with Kieza's trademark verve, Banjo is a lively and captivating portrait of this truly great Australian. (book flap)