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King of the Wilderness: The Life of Deny King
An inspirational story about a great Australian, 'King of the Wilderness' recounts the life of the acclaimed Deny King, who made his home in Tasmania's rugged and spectacular south-west. By the time he died in 1991 he was truly the king of his remarkable wilderness, and internationally celebrated for his unique lifestyle.
334 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 23, 2017
This easy to read biography accompanied me along the Port Davey and South Coast Tracks. From Scott's Peak Dam to Cockle Creek, via Melaleuca, it was bliss returning to Deny each evening within my sleeping bag, bringing evermore character to this panorama of untapped wilderness. Thankyou, Deny.
September 11, 2017
I think Deny King is a remarkable person, and his story does make me want to put on my boots and pack and trudge along the South Coast. However, I must confess I struggled to finish this book. While it is a good reference of Deny's activities by the end the story became a bit lost in the detail of diary's and day to day events, and lost my attention.
December 16, 2018
I am a life-long lover of books, with my own substantial personal library. Mainly non-fiction, I collect in the maritime history/exploration genre and this is simply the MOST un-put-down-able book I have ever read. Thankfully, the responsibility of the telling of the story of Deny King fell into worthy hands. Christobel Mattingley does a stellar job of matting together the diaries and substantial collection of personal documentation attached to the life of Deny King into a warm, engaging, insightful read that leaves you feeling just grateful for having read it. The reason the book was so impossible to leave was because the author somehow made you feel you were in the company of Deny King, and he is such darn good company. What a tragedy if someone had not told his story! How unique the person, heritage, landscape and profound legacy!
We came across this book in the many independent bookshops noticeably present in the high streets of Tasmania. Often it was the prize exhibit in the 'Tasmaniana' section of the shelving, often in large hardbound copy. Before we left Tasmania after our first visit, we thankfully grabbed a small paperback copy because we had suspected that perhaps this story was somehow 'seminal' in understanding a large part of the unique history of Tasmania...especially the environmental aspect of almost one quarter of the state being a World Heritage Wilderness area. We enjoyed our visit to Tasmania because it was so enriching, edifying and educational to be immersed in such a unique history and landscape and reading a book like this has helped us elongate and extend the enjoyment. On a purely personal level, reading a book like this somehow makes you feel like you are equipped to be a better, kinder and more resilient person simply because you to some tiny extent feel like you have met only briefly Deny King. Thank you Chrisotobel Mattingley!
We came across this book in the many independent bookshops noticeably present in the high streets of Tasmania. Often it was the prize exhibit in the 'Tasmaniana' section of the shelving, often in large hardbound copy. Before we left Tasmania after our first visit, we thankfully grabbed a small paperback copy because we had suspected that perhaps this story was somehow 'seminal' in understanding a large part of the unique history of Tasmania...especially the environmental aspect of almost one quarter of the state being a World Heritage Wilderness area. We enjoyed our visit to Tasmania because it was so enriching, edifying and educational to be immersed in such a unique history and landscape and reading a book like this has helped us elongate and extend the enjoyment. On a purely personal level, reading a book like this somehow makes you feel like you are equipped to be a better, kinder and more resilient person simply because you to some tiny extent feel like you have met only briefly Deny King. Thank you Chrisotobel Mattingley!
July 15, 2012
Interesting book about the life of a famous Tasmanian. Having bushwalked from Malaleuca along the South West coast in January this year, it was enjoyable to read this story, set mostly in this area, about Deny King and his efforts to forge out a living in very challenging circumstances. The love story between him and his partner was very moving at times. I also liked how most of the women in the book seemed to be very able with practial matters, and he often enlisted the help of women in his mining and other endeavours. I found the book a bit tedious and boring at times, though, mainly during the passages describing his mining efforts and other details about practical things like fixing engines and boats, which didn't interest me personally, but I'm sure would interest some people. I wonder how Aboriginal people would feel about Deny King's story. He seemed to do his best to protect the area, while at the same time he was instrumental in opening it up to more people (via his airstrip etc). After having read the book, I would be interested in seeing any painting done by Deny and his family, seeing some of the old TV footage of him, and reading the book about his fellow 'pioneers', Win and Clyde.
July 10, 2021
Deny was amazing. The writing is pretty clunky, but the story of his life, particularly when courting his wife Margaret is quite beautiful
May 17, 2015
What an amazing man Deny was! I truly admire his strength and courage and love that he had such a soft side to him. His concern for others and his determination and positivity through life's trials (and boy were there many) is something we should all learn from.
Us lovers of nature and those keen Tasmanian hikers owe Deny big time!
Christobel I'll be forever grateful that you wrote this book. You certainly need not have worried about whether or not you could do Deny's life justice, you've done an outstanding job!
I highly recommend this book to all outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of nature in general. A great read!
Us lovers of nature and those keen Tasmanian hikers owe Deny big time!
Christobel I'll be forever grateful that you wrote this book. You certainly need not have worried about whether or not you could do Deny's life justice, you've done an outstanding job!
I highly recommend this book to all outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of nature in general. A great read!
August 3, 2022
I loved this book!!!
Christobel has spent hours researching for this book. I loved reading about Deny's early history and the details about the aspects of nature he loved.
Makes me sad that I didn't meet him in real life.
Christobel has spent hours researching for this book. I loved reading about Deny's early history and the details about the aspects of nature he loved.
Makes me sad that I didn't meet him in real life.
April 26, 2021
Loved every word. What an extraordinary man.
May 10, 2022
I reread this book as I read it over the course of months last year and it’s definitely one of my faves, what an incredible man Deny was!!!
September 14, 2021
Many others who have reviewed this book here on Goodreads begin with the personal note of their visit to Melaleuca, the now Parks and Wildlife base that was Deny King's home. It is still a remote place and remarkable that the King family could live here contentedly, and that Deny could scratch out the dirt and carry on his back bags of tin ore all the way to the coast, or walk the six day south coast track overnight. Or sail the southwest coast multiply times in a yacht laden heavily with the ore.
Yet, there is something unknown about the man after reading this book. He was innovative and curious, and in order to allow planes to fly in he levels the only flat bit of ground. Effectively he hand made an airstrip out of a swamp. Remarkable, but not the work of a man who seeks total isolation. He loved the wilderness, yet he brought in a bulldozer to mine for tin.
Perhaps it is the nature of the man, a hard working taciturn man of the era, who kept diary's not of his feelings but of the weather, the seasons, the wildlife. And that is the nature of this book, well worth reading if you are going to Melaeuca but leaving you with the desire for more. A bit like a visit to the wilderness, really.
Yet, there is something unknown about the man after reading this book. He was innovative and curious, and in order to allow planes to fly in he levels the only flat bit of ground. Effectively he hand made an airstrip out of a swamp. Remarkable, but not the work of a man who seeks total isolation. He loved the wilderness, yet he brought in a bulldozer to mine for tin.
Perhaps it is the nature of the man, a hard working taciturn man of the era, who kept diary's not of his feelings but of the weather, the seasons, the wildlife. And that is the nature of this book, well worth reading if you are going to Melaeuca but leaving you with the desire for more. A bit like a visit to the wilderness, really.
December 11, 2024
Deny King was obviously a one of kind, and it was so wonderful to learn about him and about the South West of Tasmania. My grandfather met Deny King and it's a point of pride for my dad.
It was also really interesting to learn about his influence on the South West becoming protected, and about his contributions to knowledge about birds, plants, animals, and landcare.
There are A LOT of names in this book and it was sometimes hard to keep track, but then I just stopped worrying about it and went with the flow.
The maps in the front are very good and I referred to them a lot while reading the book.
Well worth a read for anyone with connections to Southern Tasmania, in particular. It's a big chunk of our history that is generally passed over.
It was also really interesting to learn about his influence on the South West becoming protected, and about his contributions to knowledge about birds, plants, animals, and landcare.
There are A LOT of names in this book and it was sometimes hard to keep track, but then I just stopped worrying about it and went with the flow.
The maps in the front are very good and I referred to them a lot while reading the book.
Well worth a read for anyone with connections to Southern Tasmania, in particular. It's a big chunk of our history that is generally passed over.
September 1, 2020
A very interesting read, about a special man living in a very special place. I'd recommend reading it, although the author, in my opinion, has crammed in too many details. At times, the listing of everything he did becomes quite tedious to follow. In the second half of the book, the author has chosen to use first names only for all the people playing a part in Deny's life. This makes it quite difficult to follow. In spite of this, recommended.
July 14, 2020
Having trekked the South Coast twice allowed me to relate to Deny’s experiences and love of the land, flora, fauna. However I found the style rather mechanical. I hoped there would be a reference list of TV and film appearances, alas I’ll have to trawl the book again. ABC footage does not make it to YouTube :-)
August 20, 2018
What an interesting life this man had. I find myself thinking about it still. In an era of tough times he remained a compassionate soul, thats a rare commodity. A great Australian about whom we should all be taught.
February 23, 2021
Very good book. It covers the whole life of Deny. And there are a lot of information about living in Huonville and Southwest Area of Tasmania.
Beautiful Tasmania!
Deny's character is charming, humourous. Everyone like him.
Beautiful Tasmania!
Deny's character is charming, humourous. Everyone like him.
August 14, 2021
This was interesting, but the narrative got lost in the detail.
June 20, 2023
Interesting to learn about Melaluca and the southwest area of Tasmania. It was a bit ' he did this, then he did that' style of writing, which was a bit monotonous.
June 5, 2022
King of the Wilderness- The life of Denny King by Christobel Mattingley
I think everyone who has done a little research into the South-West of Tasmania has heard of Deny King. He is a local legend in these parts.
Denny spent 50 years living self sufficient in the rugged and wild South-West. His knowledge of land and sea in these parts is remarkable and his long list of achievements is anything but amazing. For all those who knew Denny they remark on his generosity and his welcoming nature. He assisted experts in the flora and fauna of this area and dug the Melaleuca airstrip single handed so that the area could be enjoyed by many.
This book whilst it is a hard read at times, is an interesting read and a good history lesson into one of the remotest parts of Tasmania.
This is my reading challenge 2022 book set in Tasmania
I think everyone who has done a little research into the South-West of Tasmania has heard of Deny King. He is a local legend in these parts.
Denny spent 50 years living self sufficient in the rugged and wild South-West. His knowledge of land and sea in these parts is remarkable and his long list of achievements is anything but amazing. For all those who knew Denny they remark on his generosity and his welcoming nature. He assisted experts in the flora and fauna of this area and dug the Melaleuca airstrip single handed so that the area could be enjoyed by many.
This book whilst it is a hard read at times, is an interesting read and a good history lesson into one of the remotest parts of Tasmania.
This is my reading challenge 2022 book set in Tasmania
February 27, 2012
Deny King moved with his tin miner father, Charles to the remote South West Wilderness of Tasmania. There were no roads and the only route to civilisation was overland trekking or a hazardous boat trip. The Kings eked out a living and this book tells the story of how Deny built his life in the Tasmanian wilderness. It's a well told story, using a good number of third party accounts and paints a great picture of a some twentieth century pioneers. My only gripe is that no man can be as saintly as Christobel Mattingley describes Deny and it is clear that she is in awe of him. The again, he sounds like an awesome bloke!
October 7, 2012
An interesting tale about an amazing character living a way of life almost impossible now. I loved the part about Deny's early life in the Huon and Weld areas close to my current home. The tales about the women in his life were a fascinating insight on the times too. However I am left wondering what flaws Deny had. And the word 'dorts' started to grate! Recommend for anyone interested in Tasmania's past, wilderness and wildlife.
September 7, 2016
A pretty amazing life in a very beautiful but harsh part of the world. Not spectacularly well written, essentially just a compository of diary writings and letters. Still, a reasonable job when you consider that the author didn't get long to meet Deny before he died. Quite moving in its own way.
June 3, 2012
Perhaps it is because I am here in Tazzie reading this book, but this man led an amazing life. I would recommend this book to anyone that has a sense of wonderlust about the world they live in.
April 20, 2014
This is a wonderful portrait of an otherwordly human being.
March 3, 2021
A moving biography of an incredible man who lived a singular life.
August 2, 2023
Not bad actually quiet good. A true Australian legend living off the land and figuring out things on his own whilst welcoming everyone and anyone with open arms and an open mindset.
April 30, 2017
The first half this book really transfixed me, inspired me. Deny King was a sensational man whose life was comprised of so many of the things that I reckon make for a great story; rugged wilderness, harsh weather, working on the land, loving the land, observing minutely the world around you, absolute solitude, contentment, stoicism, self-sufficiency, romance... etc
But the author obviously lost her zest for the story as it progressed (around the point at which his wife passes), and the book simply became a catalogue of the various comings and goings in Deny's life. It became a hard slog, and I made it to the last 50 pages or so but actually can't bring myself to finish. The magic was weaved; the magic passed. I feel like it would be a disservice to such a wonderful human to force myself to read a dry recounting of the last years of his life, which I'm sure were filled with as much beauty as ever. So I've finally decided to mark the book as read, and will let my imagination do the rest
Regardless of the poor story telling, Deny has left a significant mark on my heart. My grandparents visited his home back in the 70s, and before I even knew about him I trekked a few days along the brutal South Coast Track that eventually takes you to Melaleuca. That gave his story a tangibility and context which made it extra moving. Why people would hide themselves away from the forces of nature at all costs will never make sense to me; that is where so much vitality can be found.
But the author obviously lost her zest for the story as it progressed (around the point at which his wife passes), and the book simply became a catalogue of the various comings and goings in Deny's life. It became a hard slog, and I made it to the last 50 pages or so but actually can't bring myself to finish. The magic was weaved; the magic passed. I feel like it would be a disservice to such a wonderful human to force myself to read a dry recounting of the last years of his life, which I'm sure were filled with as much beauty as ever. So I've finally decided to mark the book as read, and will let my imagination do the rest
Regardless of the poor story telling, Deny has left a significant mark on my heart. My grandparents visited his home back in the 70s, and before I even knew about him I trekked a few days along the brutal South Coast Track that eventually takes you to Melaleuca. That gave his story a tangibility and context which made it extra moving. Why people would hide themselves away from the forces of nature at all costs will never make sense to me; that is where so much vitality can be found.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews