Eric Rolls

Eric Rolls (1923-2007) was an Australian historian, author and farmer who dedicated his life to documenting environmental and rural history. His most significant works include 'They All Ran Wild' (1969), which examined the impact of introduced species on Australia's ecosystem, and 'A Million Wild Acres' (1981), a detailed study of the Pilliga Scrub in New South Wales. During his career spanning over five decades, Rolls published more than 20 books covering topics from agricultural practices to Chinese immigration in Australia. His unique perspective combined scholarly research with practical farming knowledge, having worked as a grazier while pursuing his writing. Rolls received numerous accolades including the Age Book of the Year Award and was appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1999 for his contributions to literature. His work was particularly notable for challenging conventional views about Australian environmental history and agricultural development. His writing style merged meticulous historical research with personal observations and oral histories collected from farmers, aboriginals, and rural communities. Rolls' legacy continues to influence environmental historians and writers, with his books remaining important references for understanding Australia's ecological and rural heritage.

Readers value Rolls' ability to blend scholarly research with first-hand farming experience. His detailed observations and use of oral histories make complex environmental topics accessible. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of ecological changes in Australia - Personal anecdotes that illuminate historical facts - Integration of Indigenous perspectives and knowledge - Documentation of rural Australian life and practices "They All Ran Wild" receives praise for documenting invasive species' impacts through both scientific data and human stories. What readers disliked: - Dense passages of historical detail - Some dated language and attitudes in earlier works - Occasional repetition across books - Limited availability of his works outside Australia Ratings/Reviews: Goodreads: - "A Million Wild Acres": 4.3/5 (42 ratings) - "They All Ran Wild": 4.1/5 (28 ratings) Amazon: - Limited presence on international sites - Australian reviews average 4.5/5 across titles - Most common complaint: out-of-print status of many works

They All Ran Wild (1969) The history and impact of introduced species in Australia, covering rabbits, foxes, sparrows, cane toads, and prickly pear.

A Million Wild Acres (1981) A detailed environmental history of the Pilliga Scrub in New South Wales, examining changes in landscape, flora, and fauna.

Sojourners: The Epic Story of China's Centuries-Old Relationship with Australia (1992) Chronicles Chinese migration to Australia from the earliest days of European settlement through the twentieth century.

From Forest to Sea (1993) An ecological history of Australia's east coast focusing on environmental changes since European settlement.

Citizens of the Road (1977) A social history examining the lives of Australian traveling workers and itinerants in rural areas.

Celebration of the Senses (1985) Personal essays exploring Australian food, cooking, and sensory experiences in rural life.

Australia: A Biography (2000) A comprehensive environmental history of Australia from prehistoric times to the modern era.

Visions of Australia (2002) A collection of writings about Australian landscape, wildlife, and rural life drawn from the author's experiences.

Henry Reynolds writes about Australian environmental history and Indigenous-settler relations in colonial Australia. His research focuses on frontier conflicts and land use changes similar to Rolls' work on ecological transformations.

Bill Gammage examines Aboriginal land management practices and how European settlement altered Australia's landscape. His work "The Biggest Estate on Earth" parallels Rolls' interest in environmental changes and indigenous knowledge.

Tim Flannery documents Australia's natural history and ecological changes over time through both scientific and historical perspectives. His research covers similar ground to Rolls in examining human impacts on Australian ecosystems.

Don Watson chronicles rural Australian life and environmental change through historical narratives. His writing style combines personal observation with historical research in a manner comparable to Rolls' approach.

Tom Griffiths explores environmental history through the intersection of science, culture and memory in Australia. His work examines human relationships with nature and landscape change over time, themes central to Rolls' writing.