Len Beadell was a pioneer in the classical sense, leading the way into the unknown. His various books chronicle his adventures in his laid-back and self-effacing style. Enjoyable to read, and for those that know a little about the region he describes, you can appreciate the hardship he overcame. What is not widely known is that illness, possibly the effect of dietary deficiencies while in the bush for so many years, was one of the factors in him stopping his exploratory work.

Reading this book years ago helped form my career directions.

This book, and others by Len Beadell, are still in print and available in Australia, both from Len's family and from on-line booksellers like www.collinsbooks.com.au. Check these sources out before you despair about finding a copy.

Len Beadell, one of Australia's unassuming modern pioneers, writes of his overcoming the tyrannies of distance, heat, dust flies and inclement weather, to locate and establish the site for the detonation of the first mainland British A - bomb at Maralinga in South Australia. Len's ability as a writer to convey the ups and downs and the dangers of life in the Australian outback, is unsurpassed. He is also a consummate cartoonist, and the book is littered with many of his excellent drawings and humorous cartoons. The book contains quite a number of good black and white photos of the era, and stands as a record of an important part of Australias recent history and one mans monument to his contribution.

Len Beadell is regarded as Australia's last true explorer. His exploits in building over 6000kms of roads (such as the Gunbarrel Highway) through outback Australia in the 50s and 60s are legendary. This book is about building a road west of Alice Springs, near the Gibson Desert. It includes an account of Australia's longest towing exercise: a bulldozer towing a grader for 800kms at 3kph! A challenge to all who are leading a soft life!