Turkey & Partners
By Ray Harris
Published by Collins: London & Glasgow 1954 1st Edition
With Colour Frontis & Dustjacket
"Turkey & Partners is a lively and richly atmospheric Australian boys' adventure novel by Ray Harris, first published in 1954 and presented here in its first edition with the original dustjacket and colour frontispiece. The book continues the adventures of Ossie Matthews—nicknamed "Turkey" for his resemblance to the Australian plains bird—following on from The Adventures of Turkey. Set along the fictional "Lazy River," inspired by a real tributary of the Darling River, the story captures the rhythms of rural Australian life with an authenticity drawn directly from Harris's own boyhood experiences and long career as a country schoolteacher.
In this volume, Turkey and his close friend Dick are joined by an engaging new character, Possum, an Aboriginal boy whose deep bush knowledge and cheerful intelligence play a central role in solving a series of mysteries and misadventures. The narrative blends humour, suspense, and outdoor adventure as the boys encounter eccentric locals, curious incidents, and escalating challenges that test their resourcefulness and loyalty. Harris's storytelling is notable for its warmth, vivid sense of place, and respectful portrayal of friendship across backgrounds, all framed within the wide-open landscapes of inland Australia.
Beautifully illustrated by Geoffrey Whittam, with a striking colour frontispiece and evocative black-and-white drawings throughout, Turkey & Partners stands as a fine example of mid-20th-century Australian juvenile fiction. Its combination of character-driven storytelling, bush adventure, and period charm makes it a particularly desirable title in original condition with dustjacket, appealing to collectors of Australian children's literature, admirers of classic outback adventure stories, and those with an interest in nostalgic portrayals of rural Australian life."
Light wear to dustjacket. No inscriptions. Pages clean and well presented. An excellent, 1st edition copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
