The stockmen

About this book

Working in some of the world's most challenging natural landscapes with beasts from tame to totally wild, *The Stockmen* speaks to something within the soul of every Australian. Evan McHugh, one of Australia's foremost chroniclers of the outback and the bush, presents the fascinating history of the stockmen and women who have carved a living from the rugged ranges of the high country to the vast arid heart of the outback. Richly illustrated with archival images and documents, as well as stunning contemporary photographs, the book tells the story of the stockmen throughout the ages, taking in legendary stock routes like the Murranji and Birdsville Track, the roles of Aboriginal workers and stockwomen, and the trials and triumphs of life in the stock camp. The voices of stockmen throughout the ages are woven together with McHugh's renowned expertise and keen eye for detail, to capture the epic scale of the famous cattle stations, how the industry has shaped the country and the unique pleasures of the stockman's life. This is the definitive story of an Australian icon.