The Life and Times of Charles Frank Field 1850-1950

This is the story of a remarkable Australian and his 100 years of life. Charles' story draws in many threads: the cruelty of the convict system, the elegance of Adelaide City's foundations, the copper boom in South Australia, the goldfields of Tibooburra and the wheat fields of Ungarie, the long working hours of shop assistants and the uncertainty of business enterprises, the isolation and humor of country living, the tragedy of two World Wars and its impact on ordinary Australians. Charles' own writings show a mind always seeking improvements, a lively sense of humor with an ability to revel in politics and open discussion and the sheer joie de vivre characterizing his long life.

One hundred years of Australian history is a broad sweep of the canvas. However, the story begins even earlier in the troubled agricultural fields of England with the bankruptcy of Charles' grandfather, Daniel Field and the emigration of his parents, William and Martha, to a better life in Adelaide in 1839. Wherever possible, first-hand accounts, rare documents and vivid images recreate the times Charles lived in as his story progresses from South Australia to New South Wales and finally to Victoria where he died in his 100th year.

This is a unique view of Australian history appealing to the historian and the general reader alike.