Books

Bush poetry, frontier history and yarns by Australian Bush Poet Jack Drake.

Order directly from the publishers, from listed retailers, or via Jack’s order form where indicated.

Forgotten Heroes & Hellraisers

Forgotten Heroes & Hellraisers

Published by Spur N Eight Publishing

Jack Drake’s final book explores the lives of lesser-known heroes, outlaws, and hell-raisers who played significant roles in Australian history. Through a series of well-researched chapters, it delves into stories of bushrangers, overlanders, rogues, pioneers, and remarkable characters—from the inspiration behind Robbery Under Arms and the Kenniff brothers of Winton, to the Horse King of the Northern Territory, Queensland Harry, Greasy Bill, and Mohara, heroine of the cyclone. The book also revisits forgotten figures, disputed discoveries, frontier justice, and legends, preserving a rich and often overlooked slice of Australia’s past.

Available only from Outback Books online:
https://www.outbackbooks.info/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=554

Or from Rhonda's Refits
100 Taylor Street, Toowoomba 4350
Phone: 07 4637 8933

Stringybark Fox book cover

Stringybark Fox

Published by Spur N Eight Publishing

Australia’s Greatest Prospector 1848–1924 by Jack Drake
Researched by Jim McJannett. The life story of one of the most incredible bush men Australia has ever seen, including the goldfields he discovered – and one he lost due to Cyclone Mahina.

Available only from Outback Books online:
https://www.outbackbooks.info/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=543

Or from Rhonda's Refits
100 Taylor Street, Toowoomba 4350
Phone: 07 4637 8933

Queensland’s Frontier Wars book cover

Queensland’s Frontier Wars

The history of Queensland’s First Nation people’s desperate fight to retain their country from invading Europeans. The spear and boomerang had little chance against the gun and sword carried on horseback, but a state of war existed on Queensland’s expanding frontier from 1824 until after the turn of the 20th Century.

Please order direct from publisher – Boolarong Press
https://boolarongpress.com.au/product/queenslands-frontier-wars/

The Cattledog's Revenge book cover

The Cattledog's Revenge

Bush Ballads and Yarns

Written by Jack Drake
Published by Boolarong Press

86 original poems & 6 short stories.
Winner of the 2004 Golden Gumleaf Trophy for the Best Book of Original Verse.
Part of the “Old Silver Tail Outback Books” Library.

“I heard you on the Alan Jones Show today. My husband would be thrilled to get a copy of your poems. You can take the boy out of the country but the country will always remain in the boy. I'm sure if he heard your work he would agree that Banjo has a successor.” – Baulkham Hills, NSW

“Heard you last Sunday on Carter Edwards Country Music Show 2HD. Thought your two tapes were beaut (The Cattle Dog's Revenge and the sequel The Cattle Dog's Return) as I lived on a station for twenty years and you've got the blue heeler spot on!” – Blackalls Park, NSW

“The Cattle Dog's Revenge. That is an Aussie Classic.” – Dalby, Qld

Please order direct from publisher:
https://boolarongpress.com.au/product/the-cattle-dogs-revenge/

The Anzac's booklet cover

The Anzac's

Poems by Jack Drake and his father A.C. Drake, who served in World War II with the New Zealand boys.

In his foreword, Jack says the spirit of ANZAC is now a huge part of the national identity of both countries. In this collection of ten poems, he celebrates not war and conflict, but the patriotism and camaraderie that caused the young people of both countries to put their lives on hold and do what they felt was right and proper.

It contains the following poems:

  • "Morals and War" – A.C. Drake
  • "Realities of War" – Jack Drake
  • "Bent and Grey" – Jack Drake
  • "Kia Kaha" – A.C. Drake
  • "Dawn Parade" – Jack Drake
  • "Dad's Yarn" – Jack Drake
  • "The Water of the Wells – Beersheba 1917" – Jack Drake
  • "Frightfully Ninth Army" – A.C. Drake
  • "Why are you Crying, Grandad" – Jack Drake
  • "Song of the Survivor" – Jack Drake

Lest We Forget…

$12 inc postage & handling within Australia.

Please order direct from Jack Drake using the order form:
ORDER NOW

The Saga of the Dog booklet cover

The Saga of the Dog

Written by “the Missus” – Stellamary Matheson Drake
Self-published

Booklet about Woody the Cattle Dog with the original poem and photos of the dog, plus sequels by Jack and by other poets who joined in the saga. (Especially nice for children performing this poem to know he was a real dog.)

$17.00 AU incl postage & handling within Australia.

Please visit the order form page for information about how to order this product online from Jack Drake direct:
Order Form