Books

Books are largely constructed from words, so I am enthusiastic about the chance to contribute to any book project as writer, co-writer, ghost writer or editor.

My portfolio includes four books, two sold as souvenirs about totally different subjects, a history of the motor trade in Perth in association with A. John Parker, launched in November 2005, and a beautifully produced, large format photographic journey through some of Western Australia's most spectacular landscapes.

The first of the souvenir books is the story of the Duyfken or Little Dove, the first European ship to make a recorded landfall on the Australian mainland. The first edition is titled Duyfken – The Story of a Brave Ship and Building a Replica, the second edition dropped the words "Building a Replica" and substituted "a Brilliant Replica".

The Duyfken souvenir book is available through the Duyfken 1606 Replica Foundation Inc., PO Box 1085, Fremantle WA 6959, Australia or by email at duyfken@iinet.net.au.

For up to date information on the Duyfken, visit the Duyfken web site at www.duyfken.com.

Front cover of the tram book

A similar sized book on a different subject was Getting There by Tram in Western Australia, a brief history of electric trams and trolley buses in WA. Commissioned by the Perth Electric Tramway Society (PETS), it is sold from the society's trams in Whiteman Park and other outlets both within and outside the park.

It tells the story of the tramway systems in Perth, Fremantle, Kalgoorlie and Leonora. An insert has maps of all of the networks except Leonora. As there was only one line at Leonora, from the town to the Sons of Gwalia mine, and it ran for only eight years, a map was hardly necessary. The Perth map also has an inset showing the trolley bus routes.

The design of the tram book and the maps were created by the late Richard Albrecht and the book was printed by the Whiteman Park Printer, Phil Everitt, both of whom did an excellent job. Cars, Characters & Crankhandles

The motor trade history, titled Cars, Characters & Crankhandles, is a wonderful reference for anyone researching the commercial history of Perth, and uncovers the origins of many of today's automotive retailers.

It is the product of more than five years of work by A. John Parker with assistance from myself and editing by Ross Haig. It describes the first 100 years of the motor trade in Perth, Western Australia.

The book was launched on November 22, 2005 and is available in limited numbers from the Motor Trade Association or from the Fremantle Motor Museum at $66.00 a copy. MTA members can get the book from the MTA for a members' price of $55.00.

I edited the book of superb photographs of the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions of Western Australia created by author and photographer David Bettini. This beautifully presented book is available from David Bettini, PO Box 33, Carnarvon WA 6701, Australia.


First edition of Duyfken book	Second edition of Duyfken book