London, Wild Cat Press, 2011 (first edition). Large octavo, xxxii, 1198 pages plus numerous maps and plates, many in colour. Papered boards; a fine copy with the very slightly creased dustwrapper. Presentation copy from the collection of eminent Australian neurosurgeon Professor Donald Simpson AO (1927-2018). Inscribed 'To Donald Simpson/ with best wishes' and signed by the author. 'Of all the early women pioneers omitted from official histories, Carl Strehlow's wife Frieda Keysser is the most glaring example, having spent over a quarter of a century on the Australian frontier when life was dangerous, difficult and often short. Frieda was well aware that her tumultuous life was unique and kept copious diaries, in later years authoring an overview of her life . This account of her life was inspired by those writings . and constitute one of the richest records of pioneer life of the period. As a practical person who played a crucial role in the survival of Central Australia's aboriginal