Our next Idriess Archive catalogue is live! It is clear while perusing our latest catalogue that Idriess was a likeable character. He was also who and a prolific letter writer and a passionate researcher. His observations of Australia and its people was written in a way that the Australian Public could relate. Our next catalogue is from the Ion Idriess estate. The items are unique and include a collection of letters, research notes and published and unpublished stories and drafts. They are on many interesting subjects from military to mining to agriculture to travel and adventure and more. Along with the many enthusiastic fan letters, you will see letters from familiar publishing figures like Angus and Robertson’s editor Walter Cousins, War Correspondent John Hetherington, and The Observer’s owner William MacFarlin, Frank Hodge, editor of the New Zealand Herald. There are also numerous letters from universities around the world including Princeton, Denver, Michigan, and Melbourne. Academic Bill Gamage wrote to Idriess about his military experience. For his research Idriess would write to miners, explorers, military men, Including Explorer Herbert Basedow; Librarian of the State Library of South Australia, HC Brideson; Australian prime Minister of the time Joseph Lyons. There are also vast materials which Idriess used in his research from press clipping to notes. There are numerous manuscripts and drafts amongst this selection of items showing how Idriess wrote and matured as a writer. There are also unpublished stories including themes around Gallipoli and the Anzacs, Gold Mining, Sandalwood, Shipwrecks and more. Sydney Rare Book Auctions Timed Auction June 22nd 2025, 12:00 PM AEST Viewing is encouraged Questions welcomed Absentee bids are due by email 3pm Sydney Time Friday 20th June 2025. Please get questions in before 3pm Sydney Time Friday 20th June 2025. Catalogue: https://connect.invaluable.com/sydneybook/ Lot 172 : Melbourne Journalists & Idriess Correspondence 8d 19h 9m left

Sydney Rare Book Auctions sold a message stick from the Kimberley that was given to Ion Idriess in about 1930. I have no idea whether the object has ended up in a public institution or a private collection. Here it is: https://amsd.clld.org/contributions/IDRIESS1930#4/-16.62/125.74 In the same Lot there were a number of headbands for sale, traditionally worn by messengers and apparently made by Tracker Bull. A message stick from Tracker Bull is referred to in this lot but not photographed or listed for sale: https://amsd.clld.org/contributions/amsd_01121 Does anyone know who collected these items?

THIS BOOK IS GOLD - GET IT! Compiled and designed by Tom Thompson and with an Introduction by the late, great Tim Bowden (alas, he passed away in September last year), this little book (85 pages) features many new photographs (most of them coloured or tinted) of Horrie, including of him back in Australia - with a classic one of Ion Idriess shaking Horrie's paw (p.54 - book probably worth it for this photo alone - love it!) and another page (p.79) of his paw prints. It also includes articles, letters, official correspondence about Horrie, illustrations and the public's reaction to Horrie's demise - as well as a previously unpublished Preface by Ion Idriess (p.78). But wait - there is also a surprise ending (p.82)! For anyone who loved Horrie the Wog Dog and the exploits of Private Jim Moody and his Signals Platoon of the 6th Division, AIF - or just likes dogs - or collects Idriess - or is interested in history/WWII - this is the book to get. Thanks Tom. And Tim. And the Moody family. And our beloved little furry friend - HORRIE!