Jeff Popple reviews three enjoyable Australian coffee table books for Christmas. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
The Complete Trip in a Van Guide to Australia by Bec and Justin Lorrimer
Allen & Unwin, $49.99
This gorgeous book about Australia will make for a great Christmas present. For the past seven years, Bec and Justin Lorrimer and their three children, have been living the dream and travelling around Australia in a van. In this lavish book, they share their experiences and reveal some of their favourite places to visit. They also provide useful tips on how to plan a trip, and the sort of things you need to be aware of when travelling with children. Full of beautiful photos and helpful itineraries for every state and territory, this book will inspire you to set out on your own adventure.
Best Australian Political Cartoons 2022 edited by Russ Radcliffe
Scribe, $35
Those after some light humour to finish off 2022 will appreciate this annual collection by Russ Radcliffe of the best Australian political cartoons of the year. From the federal election campaign to climate change and the devastating floods, to the politicising of COVID-19 and the tragedy of Ukraine, the cartoons cover all the highs, and lows, of the political year. They range from the very funny to the bitingly satirical to the nicely reflective. There are also some great jabs at the political influence of the Murdoch press. A good gift and an amusing, and occasionally sad, reminder of a difficult year.
Great Australian Rascals, Rogues and Ratbags by Jim Haynes
Allen & Unwin, $32.99
Jim Haynes’ account of Australia’s greatest crooks and ne’er-do-wells is a terrific book to dip into after Christmas lunch or on the beach this summer. In his usual easy flowing manner, Haynes highlights 15 memorable rogues from colonial times to the modern era, including convict Mary Bryant, who escaped from the penal colony and somehow made it back to England, to the infamous Kate Leigh of the razor gangs, to the bumbling John Gillespie of the ‘Fair Cotton Affair’. The best story, however, is about the larrikin ANZAC John Leak who was repeatedly disciplined, but also won a Victoria Cross. Recommended.
