Collecting Ion L. Idriess Books

Ion L Idriess (aka Jack) was born at Waverley, Sydney on 20th Sep 1889and died6 June 1979 at Mona Vale, Sydney. He was one of Australia's most prolific and collectible authors. This guide offerssome information about his life, reasons for his popularity and a bibliography of his major published bookswith a short synopsis of each title.Who wasIdriessand what did he write about?Idriess led a life most could only dream about. The quintessential Australian, he inspired many and was instrumental in popularising Australian writing before it was considered viable. Even today his book on gold prospecting is sought after for its invaluable information. Reference to his Guerilla Series is made on US military sites. Idriess led an amazing life probably due to his passionate, enquiring nature and disarming ingenuity. He survived typhoid, mined for gold and opals, was one of the legendary 'blooded' ANZAC's having fought and been seriously injured at Gallipoli, was marooned on a deserted island with a mate that went mad and tried to kill him, trained with Snowy Baker, a 1908 Olympic Gamessilver medallist for boxing, after being told he would never walk again without crutches and went on to fight in a boxing exhibition at Grafton, wrote text books for the Australian Army in WW II, travelled extensively throughoutCape York Peninsula often with Aboriginals beginning his life-long interest in their customs, and then on to the cattle stations of the Guld of Carpentaria, hunted crocodiles, knew poverty, broke in horses, chronicled the rites and history of some indigenous races, saving their culture from anonymity, just toname a few of his experiences.Jack was awarded an OBE for his services to publishing and died a few months short of his 90th birthday.Why Do People Buy His Books?Because he is immensely readable! Actually his first published book in 1927 was a failure(possibly because he followed his publishers advice and embellished the truth with a fictional romantic twist rather than what reallyhappened). The book ended up remaindered with rows and rows of 'Madman's Island' for sale sixpence a copy at Anthony Hordens. It was later published as a factual book in 1938. With his second book 'Prospecting for Gold' he rapidly gained popularity. Because his stories transcend time, record history in a romantic, journalistic style, typify the old-fashioned Australian spirit and are the product of a noble and authentic soul (very human with many failings nonetheless) he will always be popular and his books can only increase in value with time.What are Idriess Books Worth?First editions in dust jackets always attract higher prices. Signed editions are good however Idriess signed many of his books and it doesn't always mean it is a first edition. Angus