The Best Australian Yarns: and other true stories

by Jim Haynes

An omnibus from Jim Haynes about the true essence of what makes us Australians - our yarns, collected from every walk of life. Best Australian Yarns is a substantial and definitive collection of factual and fanciful Aussie stories, humour and anecdotes--the result of decades of researching popular Aussie culture and history and yarning to mates and other colourful characters from all parts of Australia and all walks of life.This collection includes tall stories from the bush, reminiscences from the racetrack and shearing shed, railway yarns, stories from the world of show business, Aboriginal legends and humour, digger yarns from both world wars, ghost stories, monsters, bunyips and yowies. and many things you never knew about our amazing history and the characters who made it--the pioneers, heroes, convicts, bushrangers, eccentrics and brave and forgotten men and women whose fascinating lives and achievements created the Aussie spirit that we all love.While the stories range from poignant to hilarious, many simply describe unusual coincidences, strange occurrences or simple everyday humorous events with a refreshing understatement that vividly evokes a vanishing Australia where looking for a good laugh was a key component of a cheekier national character and a simpler lifestyle.

514 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2013

About the author

The son of British migrants, Jim attended Sydney Boys’ High and Sydney Teachers’ College. He taught in schools and universities in NSW and Britain, has two masters’ degrees in literature, from New England University and the University of Wales in the UK, and is the author of 24 books.

Jim’s book, Australia’s Best Unknown Stories, made it into the top ten best-seller list for his publishers Allen & Unwin. He was Writer in Residence at Charles Sturt University in 2011 and has also taught writing, performance skills and song-writing for The Arts Council of NSW, University of New England, SA Arts Council, Victorian Folk Council and Australian Performing Rights Association.

A professional entertainer since 1988, Jim has recorded for Festival, Sony and ABC Music and has had many songs in the Country Music Charts, including a number one with ‘Since Cheryl Went Feral’ and a national hit with ‘Don’t Call Wagga Wagga Wagga’. He won the Comedy Song of The Year award four times and toured his own show for many years.

Jim still performs as an entertainer and speaker, works in radio as the Australiana expert on 2UE.
Jim was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the Australia Day Honour's List in 2016, 'for service to the performing arts as an entertainer, author, broadcaster and historian'.

Reviews

[Reza Amiri Praramadhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book on Australian culture, told through yarns, other words for stories or anecdotes. Very concise, filled with interesting stories about Australia (the bushrangers, convicts, boozes, the swagmen, Ned Kelly, horseracing etc.). The only thing that bugged me is that the Author used many Australian slangs, so I spent too much time getting to know what is he writing about.

[MsEleanorMae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent selection of funny and iconic old yarns, recollections of historically significant Australian events and highly entertaining stories that capture what it is to be Australian. Very well read by Jim, the Author.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed the ABC 14CD talking book version. Tall tales and true. Will have to listen again on a long drive rather than 20 minute bursts on the commute to work