Only AUSTRALIAN media, bloggers, educators and booksellers will be granted access to titles published by Penguin Books Australia.

The long-awaited life story of John Williamson: an Australian icon, a much-loved legend of the music industry and man of the land.

Williamson takes us through his life, from growing up on the land in the Mallee and Moree in a family of five boys, to being the voice of Australia.

John got a lucky break that kickstarted his music career with 'Old Man Emu', which he wrote and performed on New Faces in 1970. After huge initial success, his music career floundered for a decade until he reinvented himself by chronicling the subjects and issues that are close to his heart.

John's songs are all about Australia – he expresses his love of our land ('Mallee Boy'), his outrage at environmental destruction ('Rip Rip Woodchip'), his pride in the Australian character and spirit ('True Blue') and captures our sense of humour ('Old Man Emu'). His life story is also all about Australia – his love of the land, the importance of family, and what it really means to be true blue. He has performed at huge public events, ranging from the Sydney Olympics, to the NRL grand finals and Steve Irwin's funeral.

Beyond the songs, John has revealed barely anything about his private life in his forty-year career. He opens up here, talking about the tough times, the great times and what matters to him. In his distinctive Australian accent, he tells it like it is.

This is a journey across the breadth of Australia, and beyond.