The curious case of Ferdinand von Sommer

Dutch-born Ferdinand von Sommer was Western Australia’s first official geologist, but a little digging into his own life reveals as many frauds as real achievements.

The man behind the mountain

The Polish freedom fighter Tadeusz Kościuszko never visited Australia yet lent his name to this nation’s highest peak and, as a new biography makes clear, exemplifies its best qualities.

John Curtin’s legacy

Australian Prime Minister John Curtin loved both his country and its people and protected them both during World War 2.

Back from the bush

Most bushrangers are best known from semi-fictional accounts written decades after their deaths, but a new book uncovers a few that told their own stories.