A unique record of the passage of the seasons and their influence on plant and animal life, observed on the author's family farm and in the surrounding bush - the setting is one of Australia's most beautiful and varied landscapes, extending from the Kosciuszko National Park to the Murray River'. (Kosciuszko National Park (NSW) Upper Murray River Victoria, Northeastern Greg Cabramurra, Kiandra

Here the cloud lakes of winter, sparkling spring mornings, the golden haze of summer and the sunsets streaking the autumn skies provide a dramatic backdrop to a region of high mountain peaks, alpine meadows, dense bush, gently undulating pasture lands and tranquil river flats.

John Landy is a meticulous and informed observer of nature, particularly of insects, and he combines these powers of observation with an intimate knowledge of the area to reveal intriguing insights into the life of farm and bush and the relationship between the two.

The author's own fascination with the area is evident in both his descriptions and his brilliant photographs.  The latter range from extraordinary close-up shots of plants and insects to broad panoramas which evoke the grandeur of this magnificent part of Australia. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

John Michael Landy AC CVO MBE FTSE OLY was an Australian middle-distance runner and state governor. He was the second man to break the four-minute mile barrier in the mile run and held the world records for the 1500-metre run and the mile race. He was also the 26th Governor of Victoria from 2001 to 2006.

In 1955, Landy was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to sport, was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000, and in 2001 was awarded the Centenary Medal, made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), and a Knight of Grace of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem. In 2006 he was appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) during the Queen's visit to Australia. Landy was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985.

For eight years (1971–78) Landy served on the Victorian Land Conservation Council, contributing to debates and recommendations about the balanced use of public land across Victoria. Landy authored two books on natural history: Close to Nature (1984) and A Coastal Diary, Pan Macmillan Australia, 1993.