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 travelling 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 travelling, Idriess was known as "Jack". In 1968 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his services to literature. Death and legacy Idriess died at a nursing home in Mona Vale in Sydney on 6 June 1979, at the age of 89. His work slipped from favour after his death, but has experienced a renewal of interest. In 2017, Nicolas Rothwell said: "As so often in Australian letters, 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. Bibliography 1927 to 1945 Madman's Island (1927). Fiction version and Idriess's first book. Published by Cornstalk Publications. All other Idriess titles were published by Angus and Robertson. Madman's Island (1938). Non-fiction version. Lasseter's Last Ride (1931). Lasseter's Reef gold discovery. Flynn of the Inland (1932). Tale of John Flynn, founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The Desert Column (1932). Diary of an AIF trooper in Gallipoli, Sinai and Palestine. Men of the Jungle (1932). Gold and tin prospecting in Queensland. Gold Dust and Ashes (1933). Story of the New Guinea goldfields at Bulolo. Drums of Mer (1933). History and legends of the Torres Strait Islands. The Yellow Joss (1934). Collection of short stories. Man Tracks (1935). Tracking skills of Indigenous Australian of the Kimberley region. The Cattle King (1936). The story of Sir Sidney Kidman. Forty Fathoms Deep (1937). Pearl-diving community of Broome, Western Australia. Over the Range (1937). Story of the Kimberleys. Lightning Ridge (1940). Based on