AustLit

'Unforgettable characters emerge from this vintage Herb Wharton collection which ranges from city to bush, from tall tales to amusing parables. There's Rainbow Jack the opal digger; Dr Roo, who when the dingbats are upon him boxes his own shadow; and stockmen with nicknames such as Wild Duck, Grease Paint and Diamond Jim.

'Along with campfire yarns and memories drawn from childhood are stories from Herb's other life in the big city and on the literary trail.' (Publication summary)

'For over forty years working in the cattle industry of Western Queensland Herb Wharton would always say "I'm going to write a story one day about the things that I see happening around me". In this book of short stories Herb Wharton talks about how he began a successful literary career, and some of the stories behind his writings. After having a series of books published by the University of Queensland Press, Herb sees this self-published volume as a milestone in his career.' (Source: Keeaira Press website)