Top pick for book of year

LES Carlyon was one of Australia’s greatest journalists and writers.

He was made editor of The Age at just 33, and later became editor in chief of the Herald and Weekly Times. He also garnered numerous journalists’ awards including the prestigious Walkley twice.

Many Australians will know Carlyon as an author of the epic Gallipoli, and its sequel, The Great War. Furthermore, a biography of Bart Cummings cemented his place as Australia’s greatest ever horse racing writer.

He was a reporter, historian, educator and mentor to many, but above all he was a gifted storyteller, combining his unique elegant prose and sharp analysis with a laconic irreverence and biting wit.

All of these elements are beautifully captured in this collection of Carlyon’s best writing.

The stories have been drawn from across his career and compiled by his widow Denise and son Patrick.

They include history, war, politics, culture wars, satire, sport, literature, business and racing.

I enjoyed delving into each of his brilliantly written stories as my mood dictated.

His moving story of Diana, the people’s princess is a standout.

But wait, there is much more. Hirohito, Hiroshima, Eisenhower, Gallipoli, Margaret

Thatcher, Bob Hawke, Clive James, Henry Lawson, the Melbourne Cup, and many more events and characters emerge.

They all come vividly to life under Carlyon’s laser-like scrutiny and razor-sharp wit.

This book is a frontrunner for my pick of the year.