The West – An insider’s tales. A romping reporter in Perth’s innocent ’60s

WEST AUSTRALIANA
Tony’s pieces are an absolute tonic. That’s because Tony himself is full of such palpable energy, empathy, a relentless ear for hilarity and irony, and most importantly boundless curiosity. The people he meets tumble out joyously – like wrestler Gorilla Monsoon, Mod-girl concert screamers, Perth’s last Chinese market gardener, Manjimup axe-men and poignantly and bravely, the daughter aged three he abandoned

— Rowan Callick, for five years China correspondent of The Australian.

The origins of a treasure — and Tony is very much that — are often as interesting as the glittering hoard itself. In this collection of his youthful Perth reporting are all those rare qualities that make him exceptional: curiosity, wit, a flair for language and above all and always, a passion for truth.

— Roger Franklin, Editor, Quadrant OnLine

Tony’s quirky vignettes of life in the 1960s are unique entertainment — a cheerful expedition across unexpected bits of not-so-old WA from Kalumburu to Yarloop …

— Robert Murray, author of The Making of Australia (2014) and a dozen histories
pp.279 First Edition #270623
Thomas, Tony, — Anecdotes. | West Australian. | Journalists — Western Australia — Anecdotes. | Nineteen sixties — Anecdotes. | Western Australia — Social life and customs — Anecdotes. | Western Australia — Social conditions — Anecdotes. | Australian