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Ion Llewellyn Idriess OBE (20 September 1889 – 6 June 1979) was a prolific and influential Australian author. He wrote more than 50 books over 43 years between 1927 and 1969 – an average of one book every 10 months, and twice published three books in one year (1932 and 1940). His first book was Madman's Island, published in 1927 at the age of 38, and his last was written at the age of 79. Called Challenge of the North, it told of Idriess's ideas for developing the north of Australia.

In 1928 Idriess settled in Sydney where he wrote as a freelance writer. His writing style drew on his experiences as a soldier, prospector, and bushman. He wrote on a multitude of topics, including travel, recollection, biography, history, anthropology and his own ideas on possible future events. His books were generally non-fiction, but written in a narrative, story style. Most of his books were published by Angus & Robertson. Idriess wrote from real life experiences using knowledge he had personally gained by traveling extensively and working at a variety of occupations. "Idriess was no stylist, but his writing was immediate, colourful, well paced and, despite the speed at which it was written, always well structured."

Although he generally wrote under his name, some early articles for The Bulletin were written under the pseudonym of "Gouger". When traveling, Idriess was known as "Jack".

His work slipped from favour after his death but has experienced a renewal of interest. In 2017, Nicholas Rothwell said: "As so often in Australian literature, an initial fall into obscurity and the harsh judgments of the literary establishment serve as good indicators of a writer's pre-eminence".

His work was never adapted for the screen although several books were optioned by producers.

His story is a first rate tale of adventure but it is something more – a true story handed down from generation to generation by its hero's tribe and given by the last survivor, "King" Bungaree, to the white settlers of the district.

The Red Chief was one of the few books written from a sympathetic perspective at a time when few white writers had the experience or understanding to tackle stories about indigenous people. It is not only a fast-moving tale about heroism but also an important document recording the social and ethical relationships between black and white Australians.

It is not only an epic tale, but also a unique record of the relationships between the aboriginals and white settlers of his time. Narrator James Condon's muscular performance is informal without being casual, and his distinct accent adds to Red Kangaroo's mystique. Condon particularly excels at the many action scenes, his pacing and delivery have a definite blockbuster quality.

Reviews

"It is impossible for Idriess to be dull." - Country Life

"The Red Chief was one of our family's favorite audiobooks, we enjoyed it from beginning to end - even the small children." - Amazon reviewer

On Media

Audiobook on CD-ROM, complete with artwork on CD. Supplied in windowed CD sleeve, no case provided.

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