Book launch: Townsend of the Ranges by Peter Crowley

Overview

Join Peter Crowley in conversation with ABC National Affairs Correspondent Melissa Clarke as they discuss Crowley's debut book, Townsend of the Ranges.

Townsend of the Ranges is a sensitively told, surprisingly dramatic biography of Townsend’s life, from his early days as a junior surveyor in Australia to his time living as a recluse in London before his death. Crowley has engaged in extensive research of primary sources, relying on letters from estranged family members, Townsend's employers and Townsend himself to map the story of his life.

Dr Peter Crowley is a medical doctor, a fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and an historical researcher. He attended school in Gippsland and lived for several years in the Strzelecki Ranges, a place of steep hills, eerie mists and occasional snow falls. Peter has been married to Rasika, a teacher, for over 30 years and the couple have two adult sons, Tom and Dan.

Melissa Clarke is the ABC’s National Affairs Correspondent. She has reported on federal politics from Parliament House in Canberra for more than 15 years, specialising in environment, energy and climate change policy.