Great Bush Stories ― Tales of Wit, Wisdom and Drama from Life on the Land

The tradition of yarns from the bush goes back to the earliest days in Australia. Colorful rural characters and dramatic incidents parade through Australian history and folklore, entertaining and appalling in equal measure. Graham Seal has gathered classic and little-known stories from the time when most Australians lived outside the cities, and communication was by dirt track or boat. There's the time when farmers used their Ferguson tractors to save a town from floodwaters; when soldiers took on mobs of emus devastating the wheat crop; the Lady Bushranger who lived rough in a cave; Bob the railway dog, who hitched rides on trains for years; and the many dubious strategies devised over the years against the pesky bush fly. True or more than a little exaggerated, these stories reflect the distinctive way of life of rural and outback folk which continues even today.

Graham Seal is Professor of Folklore at Curtin University, and a leading expert on Australian cultural history. He is the bestselling author of Great Australian Stories, Larrikins, Bush Tales and Other Great Australian Stories, Great Australian Journeys, and Great Convict Stories.