Kevin Barry Richards is an Australian author and journalist, recognized for his contributions to crime fiction and thrillers. His writing is characterized by compelling narratives and suspenseful plots that immerse readers in the world of mystery and intrigue. Beyond his literary work, Richards is also a prominent radio personality, known for his insightful commentary and innovative program formats, often drawing inspiration from his published works. His stories offer not only excitement but also prompt reflection on human nature and societal issues.
Exploring the rich and inventive nature of Aussie English, this book delves into the origins and meanings of nearly a thousand unique Australian words and phrases. Through engaging anecdotes, it reveals how expressions like "bloody," "bludger," and quirky terms like "dangle the dunlops" and "molly-dooker" came to be. Kel Richards invites readers to appreciate the creativity and humor embedded in everyday Australian vernacular, making it a delightful read for anyone curious about the language's colorful expressions.
The year is 1935. Clive Staples Lewis (known to his friends as 'Jack') and his
brother Warren ('Warnie') are visiting their friend young Tom Morris at
Nesfield Cathedral School - where Jack is to be guest speaker at the school's
speech night. They become eyewitnesses to a murder-an impossible murder.
It's a Thursday evening in 1936. Clive Staples Lewis (known to all his friends
as Jack) is hosting a gathering of that well-known literary group, The
Inklings. Among those attending is Auberon Willesden. The following morning he
is found beheaded.
Featuring the fictional character Clive Staples (aka 'Jack') Lewis as an
amateur detective, presented with a mysterious crime. Woven throughout the
story is a conversation about Lewis's Christian worldview.
Exploring the origins of Aussie English, this book details its evolution from the arrival of European settlers in 1788 to its current status as a unique regional dialect. It delves into the influences that shaped its distinctive patterns, accents, and vocabulary, presenting a lively narrative that highlights the journey of this vibrant form of English. Through engaging storytelling, readers will discover the cultural and historical factors that contributed to the development of the colorful language known as Aussie English.
The astonishing story of James Hardy Vaux, writer of Australia's first dictionary and first true-crime memoir. If you wear 'togs', tell a 'yarn', call someone 'sly', or refuse to 'snitch' on a friend then you are talking like a convict. These words, and hundreds of others, once left colonial magistrates baffled and police confused. So comprehensible to us today, the flash language of criminals and convicts had marine officer Watkin Tench complaining about the need for an interpreter in the colonial court. Luckily, by 1811, that man was at hand. James Hardy Vaux - conman, pickpocket, absconder and thief, born into comfortable circumstances in England - was so drawn to a life of crime he was transported to Australia ... not once, but three times! Vaux's talents, glibness and audacity were extraordinary, and perceiving an opportunity to ingratiate himself with authorities during his second sentence, he set about writing a dictionary of the criminal slang of the colony, which was recognised for its uniqueness and taken back to England to be published. Kel Richards tells Vaux's story brilliantly, with the help of Vaux's own extraordinarily candid memoir of misdeeds - one of the first true-crime memoirs ever published. Kel's book combines two of his favourite subjects: the inventiveness, humour and origins of Australian English, and our history of fabulous, disreputable characters. With echoes of The Surgeon of Crowthorne as well as Oliver Twist, Flash Jim is a ripping read - especially for those who appreciate the power of words and the convict contribution to our idiom
