The Shearers: The story of Australia, told from the woolsheds.

Evan McHugh

Jul 2015 · Bolinda · Narrated by David Tredinnick

About this audiobook

'For much of its history Australia has been described as riding on the sheep's back ... but if the country rode on anyone's back, it was on the aching, creaking, flexing spines of Australian shearers.' Armed with their blades, a sense of adventure and a relentless work ethic, shearers have been a fundamental part of Australia's outback for centuries. From legendary figures such as blade shearing record-holder Jack Howe and fearless union man cum poet Julian Stuart, to today's young guns having to adapt to a rapidly changing industry, these rugged, resilient and proud characters have influenced the social landscape and folklore of the country. Shearers contributed to the formation of both the Labor and National parties, while Australia's national song, 'Waltzing Matilda', was written on a Queensland sheep station. Expert outback chronicler Evan McHugh – author of bestselling titles such as The Drovers and Outback Heroes – presents the definitive history of these men, bringing to life the toil, tumult and toughness of the shearing life, and the effect it has had on Australia's national character.

About the author

Evan McHugh is a journalist who has written for newspapers, television and radio. His previous books include The Drovers, Bushrangers, Shipwrecks: Australia's Greatest Maritime Disasters, Outback Heroes, Outback Pioneers and Birdsville. Evan's book about true crime in the outback, Red Centre, Dark Heart, won the Ned Kelly Award for best non-ficiton in 2008. He lives with his wife in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales.

David has been narrating audiobooks for over 25 years, working on a number of award-winning titles. He has also worked extensively in theatre, radio, film and television, most notably appearing in all four seasons of The Secret Life of Us. When not lending his voice to books he is employed as an archivist, audio producer and librarian.