AustLit

'The examination of the history of economic thought is a critical element in building our understanding of history as well as of prospective policy prescriptions. Not only does this understanding allow us to appreciate the intent and rationality of economic prescriptions in times gone by, but it also allows us assess their efficacy and relevance today. This is a common and logical defence of the study of history generally, to be sure, but no less relevant for being so.' (Introduction)

'Alywn Torenbeek's boyhood in outback Queensland in the 1940s was spent chasing wild horses, catching death adders and dreaming of becoming a rodeo champion. At the age of 14, he left Kokotunga for good, taking with him a bushman's spirit, an uncanny natural riding ability and determination to succeed. By 21 he was an international rodeo champion.

'Travelling far and wide, he became great friends with R.M. Williams and Queensland legendary cowboy Wally Mailman (father of actor Deborah). After a horrific accident that nearly killed him, Alwyn worked as a drover and eventually established a stockman's school to teach underprivileged teens to become jackaroos and jillaroos. Throughout his life, he has faced personal tragedies and triumphs with stoicism and his own get-on-with-it philosophy.

'A non-stop adventure and an amazing insight into a bygone era, this is one man's view of life, from the back of a horse. Now in his mid-70s, Alwyn is still doing gruelling endurance equestrian rides and is a great storyteller.' (Publisher's blurb)