John Foster Fraser (1868–1936)

across three continents by John Foster Fraser, S. Edward Lunn and F.H. Lowe.
This may not be the best travel book ever written but for me this is the greatest travel book ever written. It inspired me to cycle around the world. These three guys cycle around the world (the ancient world of the British Empire no less) on single speed Rover Safety bikes. They go through China, Japan and home over the USA. I read this in the 70s with a blue cover but now I own an original picture cover. In fact my copy is signed by JFF to J. K. Starley Esq. (the man who made the bikes and later the Rover cars) "from the man who wrote the book and rode the 'Rover'. If you like long cycle trips this is a must read.… (más)

Contrary to what the title would have you believe this book is in fact not about the making of Australia, and if you're after that you will be sorely disappointed in what this book has to offer.

On the other hand, if you've ever woken up in the morning and thought what was missing from your life was a 299 page rant from a racist British guy who thinks Australia will be invaded by the "yellow races" lest we populate the interior then this 105 year old book is for you!

Overall, it had a few interesting tidbits of historical note, but some sections such as the fear of a "yellow race" invasion or that we need "black" workers in the tropics as it's not suitable for "white" workers as well as an opinion from the Presbyterian Church that white people need to breed more or the lower races will take over the country was a bit to Mein Kampfy for my taste.

If one was to make a snarky four word review it would be: British Hitler writes book.… (más)