Banjo

'A detailed and sympathetic account ... fascinating' - The Australian

A.B. 'Banjo' Paterson is rightly 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, much more to Banjo's story, and in this landmark biography, award-winning writer Grantlee Kieza chronicles a rich and varied life, one 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.

Praise for Grantlee Kieza OAM

'Engagingly written ... one of the most nuanced portraits to date' -- The Australian

'Vivid, detailed and well written' -- Daily Telegraph

'A staggering accomplishment that can't be missed by history buffs and story lovers alike' -- Betterreading.com.au

'A free-flowing biography of a great Australian figure' --- John Howard

'Clear and accessible ... well-crafted and extensively documented' -- Weekend Australian

'Kieza has added hugely to the depth of knowledge about our greatest military general in a book that is timely' -- Tim Fischer, Courier-Mail

'The author writes with the immediacy of a fine documentary ... an easy, informative read, bringing historic personalities to life' -- Ballarat Courier