The Extraordinary Life of Sir Sydney Kidman

by Christo Reid

This book documents the extraordinary life and times of Sir Sydney Kidman. As a barely literate youth of thirteen, Kidman ran away from home to work as an odd-job boy in a grog shanty in outback Australia.
He went on to become the greatest pastoralist landholder in modern history. With a collection of over 500 photographs and original documents, this book captures the history, spirit and character of an Australian outback legend.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Janelle]

This is a remarkable book. Laid out in scrapbook style, it chronicles the life of Australia's Cattle King, Sir Sidney Kidman, and includes copious photographs (some panoramic), newspaper excerpts, letters and other paraphernalia of the time. While it was an entertaining read, simply written, and often scripted with the beautifully curling handwriting of the time, it was also very informative and insightful.
I have only two small quibbles with the book. Firstly, as a direct descendent of Kidman, I wondered if perhaps the author was a little biased in favour of Kidman, as Reid presents him as quite faultless. Secondly, I would have liked a paragraph or two that outlined the ongoing legacy of Kidman on Australia today, particularly in the light of current concerns over foreign buy-ups of properties, recurrent droughts and the financial stresses farmers face. Does Kidman's empire continue on today despite these challenges? And if so, what impact does it have on rural life?
However, neither of these quibbles are enough to lower my rating of what I consider a beautiful and invaluable historical record.