Tony Parsons: Kelpie writing and rural memory

Key facts

Documented reference

Kelpie [source]

Referenced edition

Viking hardback, 2021 [source]

ISBN

9781761045677 [source]

Publisher-documented background

Penguin identifies A. D. (Tony) Parsons as a sheep-and-wool classer, agricultural journalist and rural commentator who established the Karrawarra Kelpie stud in 1950. These biographical details are supplied by his publisher. They give context to the writing without making this page an independent verification of every breeding, employment or performance claim in his wider career.

The Kelpie reference

The publisher’s 2021 Kelpie edition is a large illustrated reference covering origins, selection, training, trialling and historical dogs and breeders. Penguin also identifies earlier titles including The Australian Kelpie, The Working Kelpie and Training the Working Kelpie. Keep the actual title and edition when citing an argument, because later revisions and compilations can differ.

Use historical writing carefully

An author’s synthesis can help locate people, dogs and disputed origin stories, but the reader should still identify the supporting records. Separate a documented event, an attributed recollection and the author’s interpretation. A historic training or health discussion should not be presented as an automatically current veterinary recommendation or an instruction suited to every modern handler.

Preserve the bibliographic trail

Begin with the publisher’s author and book pages and consult the actual work for page-specific citations. This is a cultural reference profile based on publisher context, not a complete evaluation of the book or an endorsement of techniques. Record the original spelling of names and any source notes when linking the writing to dog histories, and obtain permission before reproducing substantial text or photographs.

Common questions

Sources & further reading

References for this guide. Rules and services can change; check the responsible organisation for current details.

• Penguin Australia: Tony Parsons (opens in a new tab)
• Penguin Australia: Kelpie (opens in a new tab)

Keep exploring