REVIEWER: Helen Kindt

This is an intriguing story of the life and times of a man who learnt to live alone and to survive where others would die.  He also learnt the mining trade in the rugged mountains of north-eastern New South Wales, worked his way north through Queensland and eventually settled for the vastness and isolation of the Palmer River Goldfield west of Cooktown.  For the next half-century he found adventure, mystery, the remains of a bygone era -- and gold!

After sixteen years in the making, this is a book that has to read.

I didn't know any thing about Sam Elliott, he died before I arrived in Far North Queenland, but reading his autobiography made me feel that I know him well.  I had the distinct inpression as I was reading that I could hear his deep voice telling me these tales, smell the  tangy aroma of the  fire and taste smoky bush tea.  I could almost hear the chuckle in his voice when I read about the various ladies that came into his life from time to time.  He certainly loved the ladies!

Here was a man who seemed to be able to smell out gold and by careful reading of his book, one may, just may, be able to find gold way up on the Palmer River.  This was a book I found easy to read and understand.

The Lone Wolf is 220 pages, gloss, illustrated and indexed, soft cover, sewn/drawn.
ISBN 0 9577946 2 2

It may be purchased from the Mareeba Historic Society Inc
MAREEBA   QLD   4880 Price: $24.00 + Aust. wide postage $4.00. 
2 books $5.00. 5 books via Aust. post Satchel $9.00.
Cheques & money orders only.