Our Price: AUD$24.95 (USD$)* ISBN: 978-1-921456-36-7 Subject: Autobiography Publication Date: July 2010

Synopsis
Having grown up during difficult times in the late 1930s and the war years of the 1940s, Des Tinson learned firsthand how Australians adapt to change.

Australian culture possesses a unique style of survival, evolving as circumstances demand - a quality that should be nurtured as a gift. One Man's Family endeavours to give an insight into those changes and the varying cycles of life, as seen through the author's eyes.

There is no doubt the 1940s and '50s were the go forward years in Australia's building industry, however, the physical effort and sacrifices needed by Des and his father to achieve excellence as Master Builders during those years was immense.

Moving into the hotel industry in 1964 marked the beginning of a new career path that lasted twenty-five years. Recounting those days, Des Tinson takes you inside this exciting lifestyle, highlighting the sacrifices and commitment needed to survive and succeed.

One Man's Family is more than an autobiography, featuring many characters from many different backgrounds, with remarkable stories as diverse as Australia itself.

"As a publican on the waterfront, the wharfies and dockers called me Mr Whisper, the man who never shouted. These were the best times of my life and something I will always remember."

About The Author
Des Tinson was born under the Star Sign of Gemini, and he freely admits his attitude is typical of those unpredictable Twins. With the wind in his face and a desire to write, he has never lost his desire to create. His life has been one of change, to which he has adapted well, in many fields. He has been successful in most things he has tackled with the sound logic of if you think you can make a go of something, do it.

Des started writing semi-professionally as a newspaper sports columnist in the 1960s, has written for sports magazines, and also did a two-year stint with a radio sports segment for 2RE Taree, NSW. His latest commission was putting the words to a photographic biography, An Australian Story: Fred Williams.

His other works include, Time Please Gentlemen, a look at life as the licensee of a suburban hotel; Children of Destiny, a story of children living within the conflicts created from broken marriages, and From Hair to Reality, a study of women coming to terms with Alopecia, an illness Des' wife Melva also suffered.

From The Book
I am often asked my thoughts about interesting people I have met in the course of my lifetime, both in the building industry as well as hotels, in particular. There is no doubt I have been able to meet a lot of wonderful people, some high profile, some not so, with the latter at times the more interesting. Having seen a lot more of life in general to be enlightening in conversation, it gives them a charisma of attraction.

A few of those people, referred to by some as shady, fit into what I would consider as characters with a difference. I take people as I find them, and many have been very good friends, there is no shadow of doubt, whatever others may think.

We all have our own style and personality with people accepting you by giving you their support. I have had some sad farewells, which is indicative of that acceptance. If you focus on results you will never change; if you focus on change you will always get results.

I hope you find something interesting in the read.