Australia’s bestselling historical storyteller, Peter FitzSimons, will be releasing Burke & Wills: The triumph and tragedy of Australia's most famous explorers in November 2017. It tells the stirring story of the ambitious quest of Burke and Wills to be the first Europeans to cross the harsh Australian continent, with the expedition battling the worst of deserts, the boggy mangrove swamps of the Gulf, searing heat and flooding rains. Fiona Hazard, Publishing Director, said, ‘Peter’s books take his readers on an immersive adventure as they experience, understand and are captivated by our history. We’re absolutely delighted to be working with him once again to bring this iconic Australian story to life.’
Matthew Kelly, publisher of both Kokoda and Burke & Wills, said: ‘It is a homecoming for Peter as he publishes his first book with Hachette for many years. I’ve enjoyed rekindling our working relationship and I’m excited to see this story told as only Fitzy can tell it.’
Peter FitzSimons first published with Hachette in 2004 with Kokoda, which went on to sell over 300,000 copies. Peter has since written numerous bestsellers including Gallipoli and Ned Kelly, and biographies of such famous Australians as Sir Douglas Mawson and Nancy Wake. He is also a columnist for the Sydney
Morning Herald and the Sun Herald.
Peter said: ‘I’ve always wanted to tell the stories of the colonial pioneers,. Burke and Wills is a CRACKER story, with more twists and turns along the way than their final, tragic, erratic path. I was particularly fascinated by their interaction with the Indigenous people, who did their best to save them . . . until Burke pulled out his pistol
. . . But I’m already ahead of myself. This is a prime piece of Australian history – and I can’t wait to tell you about it.’