

Having taught history for 30 years at Ballarat Secondary Schools, Doug then spent over a decade at the Gold Museum, Sovereign Hill. His engaging and thought provoking introduction to the Goldfields was enjoyed by over 100 schools every year.
In addition Doug works with local primary schools enhancing their local history studies. As a public speaker, Doug has spoken to a large number of groups such as Rotary, Probus and U3A classes. MORE >>
** NEW SERIES **
Ten Delightful Tales
The Ten Delightful Tales series of booklets has a simple purpose. It is designed to highlight the joys of community life in Ballarat’s over the last 170 years.
Rain, hail or shine, parades, picnics, sports, monster meetings, rallies, carnivals, concerts, orations, fund raising events, school events, Ballarat’s irrepressible joie de vie, shines through in all these vibrant, joyful occasions.
And to be blunt, at this point in our history, we need a large dose of optimism. Fortunately It was not hard to find joyous stories in Ballarat’s amazing history. Enjoy reading them with a cup of tea or coffee and a lovely piece of a favourite Ballarat recipe -raspberry coconut slice, often called Amy Johnson slice.
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Bridge Street – Ten Delightful Tales
$9.99 -
Famous Visitors – Ten Delightful Tales
$9.99 -
Lake Wendouree – Ten Delightful Tales
$9.99 -
Lydiard Street – Ten Delightful Tales
$9.99 -
Merry Christmas – Ten Delightful Tales
$9.99 -
Philanthropy in Ballarat – Ten Delightful Tales
$9.99 -
Sturt Street – Ten Delightful Tales
$9.99 -
Wayzgoose – Ten Delightful Tales
$9.99 -
Complete Set of Eight Books – Ten Delightful Tales
$80.00 -
Sale!
Special 6 Book offer
$90.00$70.00 -
The Seriously Weird History of Australia Vol 1
$16.00 -
The Seriously Weird History of The Ancient World
$16.00 -
The Seriously Weird History of the Goldfields
$16.00 -
Don’t Go to the Goldfields.
$16.00 -
Class Set x5 – The Seriously Weird History of Australia Vol 1
$50.00 -
Class Set x5 – The Seriously Weird History of Australia Vol 2
$50.00 -
Class Set x5 – The Seriously Weird History of the Goldfields
$50.00 -
Class Set x5 – Don’t Go to the Goldfields.
$50.00 -
Class Set x5 – Sail or Steam. The Race to the Goldfields.
$50.00 -
Class Set x5 – The Seriously Weird History of The Ancient World
$50.00 -
The Astonishing History of Ballarat 1851-55
$20.00 -
The Astonishing History of Ballarat Volume 2 1856-83
$20.00 -
The Astonishing History of Ballarat Volume 3 1851-78
$20.00 -
The Astonishing History of Ballarat Volumes 1-3
$50.00
The Seriously Weird Series
Enjoyable, readable, challenging history is back!
The human story is fascinating, intriguing and puzzling. Yet for decades we have ‘lost the plot,’ particularly with Australian History. This series of books restores the narrative, the plot, to the central role it deserves.
The story is told with plenty of heroes and villains. Captain Cook, Governor Macquarie, Burrumbeet, Hargraves, Lawson and Paterson, are all there. It is written with rigour and vigour. It’s bright and breezy, but not too light or too easy.
The aim is not to present the truth, but to encourage the reader to begin the search for the truth. Insightful and thought provoking cartoons appeal especially to the young.
To be ‘turned on’ by History everyone, especially students, need to be engaged by the story. They also need to have a basic framework of knowledge and understanding, an overview of the whole story. Finally they need to have the thinking skills to critically examine the story.
This series will engage and enthuse, prod and provoke, children and teachers, parents and grandparents into the joy of learning about the human story.
AH – HA!
AUSTRALIAN HISTORY
– HOMESTUDY AID
Is your child excited by learning? That is what every parent and teacher wants their child/student to be. Now the Seriously Weird Books can be read not only for pleasure, but to stimulate thinking, understanding, reflection and learning
EVERY BOOK is now accompanied by a FREE HOMESTUDY AID
With over 10,000 books sold in the Seriously Weird Series, and the seal of approval of kids and parents- it is clear that :
The Australian Story is a ‘ripper of a story.’
“The books are totally funny and super interesting. Doug breaks down each topic so you can easily understand why things occurred and that makes it more interesting and easy to remember.” Jesse -just turned 13.
“I really enjoy the fact that the books are easily comprehensible, without the use of complicated jargon. I like that there are subtitles within the chapters, so you aren’t overloaded with information. I also like the pictures, as the little comic style cartoons explain complicated concepts in a funny way.” Inika, age 15.
“We love reading Doug’s books together. No one ever wants to put them down. He weaves fabulous stories that highlight the links between events and explains how they influenced our current situation. We hope he keeps writing!”
Assoc. Prof. Delene Weber
Environmental Sciences
University of South Australia