Thistle Y. Harris: A Biography of Thistle Yolette Stead by Webb, Joan

Book Title: Thistle Y. Harris: a Biography of Thistle Yolette Stead

Format: Book

Language: English

Publisher: Surrey Beatty & Sons Pty Ltd

Publication Year: 1998

Author: Joan Webb

Genre: Biographies & True Stories

Dr. Thistle Stead, AM, led a long, interesting, productive and varied life. She died in 1990 in her 88th year, having spent her life as a botanist, educator, writer, academic and advocate for the natural environment and other causes.

She wrote her first book Wildflowers of Australia, in 1938. It confirmed her position as a leading exponent of Australian flora and the environment in which they grew. More books followed, each with a theme related to Australian plants, shrubs, trees and ferns, showing the value of field work.

This biography by Dr Joan Webb traces Thistle Stead's life from her earliest to her final days. Her life, idealism, generosity, her professional career, writings and her recognition by an award in the Order of Australia are dealt with through the eyes of the historical researcher. Her relationship with David Stead and her involvement with many environment causes, including Wirrimbirra Sanctuary and Kosciuszko National Park, are carefully documented in an eminently readable way.