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Book Cover: Nero's Killing Machine: The True Story of Rome's Remarkable Fourteenth Legion

'Cleverly structured and well paced... Written with a filmic sense of the physicality of battle and the fine line between triumph and disaster.' The Age, Melbourne

'Read his Roman legion books, they are the best there are in this particular genre.' The Gate Entertainment Magazine, Canada 

 

FINALIST, AUDIE AWARDS, HISTORY, US, 21014

THE GLORIOUS SAGA OF THE 14TH GEMINA MARTIA VICTRIX LEGION, THE  MOST CELEBRATED LEGION OF THE EARLY ROMAN EMPIRE.

The second in his unique and internationally successful series of books on individual Roman imperial legions, Dando-Collins tells the true story of the 14th GMV. A veritable killing machine in its heyday, this legion was named by the emperor Nero as his 'most valuable troops,' an award given to no other legion in Roman history.

In the late Republic this unit was wiped out whilst fighting for Julius Caesar. For decades after, the men serving in the 14th struggled to regain their lost status, battling their way back to glory in the invasion of Britain, and two decades later making a legendary stand against British war queen Boudicca and her revolting Britons. Vastly outnumbered, the men of the legion were determined to either conquer or go down fighting.

It reads like a novel, yet it's all true.

AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND POLISH EDITIONS AND AUDIOBOOK.

Check out the other Dando-Collins legion sagas on this site: Caesar's Legion, Cleopatra's Kidnappers, and Mark Antony's Heroes.

For detailed backgrounds on all Rome's imperial legions, see the breakthrough Dando-Collins work Legions of Rome, (now in English, Spanish and Russian editions).

 

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Book Cover: Captain Bligh's Other Mutiny: The True Story of the Military Coup That Turned Australia into a Two-Year Rebel Republic

'Rivetting!' WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN

''This is a brilliant book. Like me, you won't be able to put it down.' TOM KENEALLY, Booker Prize winning author

'A fine book.' DR PAUL BRUNTON, Head Curator, Mitchell Library, Sydney

'My commendations to Mr Dando-Collins on the effort taken to share this captivating event in Australia's history.' ANNA BLIGH, Premier of Queensland, and a descendant of William Bligh

January 26 is (currently) celebrated as Australia Day. It's also the anniversary of the only military coup in Australia's history, an 1808 event which led to Australia being run like a rebel republic for two years.

The coup was led by wealthy local businessman John Macarthur, who would later be declared insane, and the greedy officers of the New South Wales Corps. The victims were Commodore William Bligh and the civil service officers and settlers who remained loyal to him - the same William Bligh whose crew had mutinied on him when he'd commanded the Bounty, and who had been sent by the British Government to stamp out the corruption in the colony of New South Wales.

Known as the Great Rebellion well into the 20th Century, it later became known as the Rum Rebellion - a title which implied a jolly romp. But there was nothing jolly about this corrupt, brutal affair, one which legal experts from Dr  H.V. Evatt to Geoffrey Robertson have considered totally ilegal, a traversty of justice, and a blot on Australia's history.

With anyone who supported by Bligh being deprived of their labour, and, often their liberty, the only way that some settlers found to protest was by giving their newborn sons the first and second names of William Bligh. This tradition has continued in the family of current prime minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull, whose firstborn son is William Bligh Turnbull.

Taken from court transcripts, diaries, letters, and newspaper accounts, this gripping book reads like a novel as it tells the incredible true story of the days when fear and favour ruled in Australia. Bligh wasn't perfect, but as this books shows, his opponents were rogues of the worst order.

 

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Book Cover: Pasteur's Gambit: Louis Pasteur, the Australasian Rabbit Plague, and a Ten Million Dollar Prize

                   WINNER, Queensland Premier's Literary Award for Science Writing.

               SHORTLISTED, Victorian Premier's Literary Award for Science Writing.

 

'A fascinating book, reminding us of the incredible adventures of Adrien Loir, Pasteur's nephew, in Australia.' PROFESSOR MAXIME SCHWARTZ, former director general of the Institut Pasteur, Paris

' A fantastic story. Part science, part history, sprinklings of drama, and ultimately a real adventure.' PROFESSOR TONY PEACOCK, University of Canberra

"I had no idea that Pasteur had so much trouble raising the money for the Pasteur Institute... clearly far from the truth!" said PROFESSOR SIR GUSTAV NOSSAL of the University of Melbourne, Australia's leading microbiologist, to Stephen following the publication of this award-winning book. A book presented by the scientific community to seven winners of the Nobel Prize.

When New South Wales Premier Sir Henry Parkes staged an international competition to find a microbiological remedy to the Australasian rabbit plague of the 1880s, he recieved 1500 entries from around the world, one of those entries came from Louis Pasteur in Paris.

Pasteur, desperate to win the contest prize, worth $10 million in today's money, to fund the opening of his new Pasteur Institute in the French capital, sent his nephew and protege Adrien Loir to Australia to secure the win.

While Parkes was keen for Pasteur to win, and helped young Loir set up the world's second Pasteur Institute on Rodd Island in Sydney Harbour, others in Australia engaged Pasteur's greatest scientific rival, Germany's Robert Kock, in an attempt to scuttle the Pasteur bid.

Scientific discovery, an international scandal, spying, sabotage and skullduggery, and a little sex, were all to follow. The sex part came when Pasteur's nephew Loir had an affair on Rodd Island with visiting French actress and superstar Sarah Bernhardt.

There were only two major Australian literary awards for science writing when Pasteur's Gambit was published. This book won one of them, and was shortlisted for the other.

Yet this amazing true tale reads like a novel. The result of the sort of exhaustive research for which Stephen Dando-Collins is renowned, in Australia and France. It's the stuff of a movie or TV miniseries - which maybe one day it will be.

 

 

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Book Cover: The Hero Maker: A Biography of Paul Brickhill

'Paul Brickhill not only wrote bestselling war dramas, he lived those dramas, as this engagingly written biography reveals.' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

'Dando-Collins leaves no stone unturned in this gritty, warts-and-all account.' ARMY Magazine

'The author has exhaustively investigated the different phases of Brickhill's life... The extraordinary success of (Brickhill's) books and success of the feature films generated from Brickhill's work fully justifies such a thorough coverage.' JOHN MYRTLE, HonestHistory.net.au 

'A gripping tale told extremely well.' 100 PERCENT ROCK MAGAZINE

'Brickhill's extraordinary story explodes vividly to life.' MILITARY BOOKS AUSTRALIA

'A major strength of Dando-Collins is his final chapter, a resume of his observations. This chapter is so well written that it stands among the greats. His final paragraph is one I wish were my own.' IAN LIPKE, Queensland Reviewers Collective

'Thanks to this wonderful biography, which I have also devoured as greedily as I have the man's books, I now have a much greater awareness of his often troubled life.' SUE WARREN, ReadPlus

The first ever biography of Paul Brickhill, Australian author of THE GREAT ESCAPE, THE DAM BUSTERS, and REACH FOR THE SKY, the biography of Douglas Bader.

From his grandfather's and father's exploits in journalism, which began in Launceston, Tasmania, Stephen traces Paul Brickhill's life, from Melbourne to Port Pirie to Sydney, his boyhood friendship with actor Peter Finch, and his own journalistic career before he joined the RAAF and became a Spitfire pilot.

From there, we follow Paul's exploits as he is shot down in North Africa and is captured and sent to Stalug Luft 3, and his participation in the Great Escape. The book goes on to tell of Paul's postwar success in England as he became the bestselling author in Britain, as he struggled with drink, a disintegrating marriage and difficult characters such as Douglas Bader, before a return to Australia and decades as a recluse.

It is a cautionary tale. If not 'careful what you wish for,' then perhaps this was a case of 'be prepared for what you wish for.'

 

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Book Cover: Heroes of Hamel: The Australians and Americans whose WWI victory changed modern warfare
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'A very good book... thrilling!' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

'A must read for all Australians.' PAUL FORDYCE, Cairns FM Radio

'An excellent retelling of the battle.' HERALD-SUN, Melbourne

'In this centenial year of World War I many books have been published recounting events and stories from this horrific four-year period of history. Stephen Dando-Collins' Heroes of Hamel is one of the best.' WARCRY, Australia

'A gritty and captivating read that takes those of us who have experienced conflict back to the war zone. Stephen Dando-Collins reveals the shocking truth of battle through soldiers' eyes.' MAJOR NICHOLAS CHANTLER, AM, Australian Army Intelligence Corps (ret'd)

'A rollicking good story... Brings to life the Hamel story in a way this reviewer hasn't seen before.' BRENT TAYLOR, Military History & Heritage Victoria

'Impressive and welcome detail on the US contribution. Goes further than what is offered even by Charles Bean in the Official History and gives readers a greater understanding of US attitudes.' DR ANDREW RICHARDSON, HonestHistory 

'Stephen Dando-Collins' writing has the novelist's knack of moving the story ahead cleanly and clearly.' ADVERTISER, Adelaide

'A gripping read that takes us into the lives and minds of characters at war.' THE TABLELANDER, Queensland

'Unlike some war histories, it is a clear, easily read and dramatic account of the battle and its aftermath.' DAILY TELEGRAPH, Sydney

Stephen Dando-Collins told the world about his war hero great-uncle Ned Searle in his bestselling 2011 WWI memoir Crack Hardy, the true story of the Searle brothers and their 1914-1918 battles on Gallipoli, in Flanders, and on the Somme. In this book, Stephen focuses on the July 4, 1918 Battle of Hamel on the Somme, a battle that turned the tide on the Western Front and changed the way war was fought.

SHORTLISTED, NIB MILITARY HISTORY PRIZE 2018

In this acclaimed account, Stephen focuses on six men who fought at Hamel. In addition to his Great-Uncle Ned's decorated role in the battle, he tells us about two Australian Victoria Cross winners, 'Two-Gun' Harry Dalziel and Jack Axford, about Tom Pope from Chicago, Illinois, who won the first US Army Medal of Honor of the war at Hamel, about his stubborn commander Colonel Joe Sanborn of the 131st Infantry, and Lieutenant-General Sir John Monash, the brilliant Australian commander who conceived and implemented the Battle of Hamel.

Stephen also highlights, for the first time, how American commander-in-chief General 'Black Jack' Pershing was blindsided by his own generals to ensure that Americans went into battle with the Aussies.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN A LARGE PRINT EDITION AND AUDIOBOOK.

 

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Book Cover: Mr Showbiz: The Biography of Robert Stigwood
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'With the high highs and lo lows, this must-read biography details an amazing life lived.' NEW IDEA, Australia

'A great book on the first genuine Aussie impressario, who was a true leader and a visionary.' MICHAEL GUDINSKI, AM, Australian record company chief and music promoter

'A brilliantly detailed insight into the intriguing life of an entertainment pioneer, a gutsy impresario and a showbiz icon.' RICHARD WILKINS, Entertainment Editor, Nine Network Australia

'This book delves into the essential genius of Stigwood and glows with his charming personality. Great book!' STEPHEN A. KOMLOSY, former British business partner of Robert Stigwood, UK

"Why do all the best anecdotes stem from total theatrical disasters?' British playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourne asked Stephen after MR SHOWBIZ was published. He answered his own question: 'A curious law of theatre, I guess.'

Sir Alan was one of a host of showbiz figures and Stigwood family members, assistants and associates who opened up to Stephen when he was writing this first ever biography of Robert Stigwood, manager of the Bee Gees, Cream, Eric Claptan, Blind Faith, Tim Rice, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and many others, and producer of Jesus Christ Superstar, Tommy, Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat, Evita, Gallipol, Saturday Night Fever, and Grease.

There's never been a life like it, or a book like it!

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Book Cover: Mistaken Identity: The Trials of Joe Windred
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'A rattling good yarn. I warmly commend this book, which is based on wide, meticulous research and tells a remarkable story with passion and flair.' ROBERT WILSON, Canberra Times

 

Stephen Dando-Collins tells the amazing and inspiring true tale of Joseph Windred, an ordinary Australian who was wrongly convicted of identical crimes in two countries over a decade apart

Mistaken identity haunted Joseph Windred. It saw him wrongly convicted on two continents, and almost cost him his life. But every time fate knocked him down, Joe got up, and came back stronger. His fighting spirit would make him a hero and see him strike it rich.

Little did the people of Orange NSW know when they twice elected Joseph Windred as their mayor that this upstanding Windsor-born businessman, colonial hero, and founder of their local jockey club had, in chains, helped build the San Quentin Penitentiary in San Francisco during the California gold rush, only to make a thrilling escape back to Australia. And that, technically, Joe was still a fugitive from American justice.

There was a lot about Joe people didn't know. Overcoming physical disability to become a champion boxer, a fine oarsman, swimmer, and rider, Joe had a lot more to overcome in his lifetime. Almost strung up by San Francisco vigilantes, he would be at the center of one of the most sensational legal cases in American history. Most amazing of all, he was wrongly accused of identical crimes, committed 11 years apart, in New South Wales and California.

Back in Australia, Joe would chase down a bushranger on his racehorse, save the lives of children on a runaway dray, almost drown trying to save a woman in a flooded creek, and strike gold near Bathurst, becoming one of the most respected figures in his community. Sportsman Joe Windred was a central figure in early professional boxing and horseracing in Australia.

But it was the way that courageous Joe came back from repeated, extraordinary, and life-changing adversity that marks him as one of the most inspiring figures in the history of ordinary Australians.

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Book Cover: Caesar the War Dog 4: Operation Green Parrot
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'A thrilling ride... It's high sensory feel will have younger readers wanting to discover Caesar's other adventures.' JAQUELYN MULLER, Jaquelyn Muller Books, Vic

'Dando-Collins makes young readers feel like they are learning about serious world issues. He challenges them to think. And aside from that, Dando-Collins entertains, surprises and thrills his readers.' WESTERN ADVOCATE, NSW

Everyone's favorite canine hero is back in an exciting new adventure—perfect for young readers who love adventure, animal tales, and military stories

After the brother of Mexican crime lord Carlos Marron—known as El Lorro Verde, or the Green Parrot—is killed when a rival gang sets off a car bomb in San Antonio, Texas, Carlos sees on TV that the now world-famous explosive detection dog Caesar has found a second bomb at the scene. Carlos orders his inept subordinates to kidnap the dog so that Caesar can protect him from future bombs. When Ben leaves Caesar in quarantine in Texas, the gang swoops.

Now, Ben, Charlie, and the GRRR team have to locate and rescue Caesar in Mexico, in the middle of a deadly crime cartel war.

Prior to writing this book, Stephen spent time in Mexico, tracing out Caesar's travels there, and did extensive research on the Mexican crime cartels.

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Book Cover: La legione di Cesare: Le imprese e la storia della decima legione dell'esercito romano (Italian Edition)
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La storia della decima legione, fondata da Giulio Cesare e protagonista di primo piano delle sue battaglie più famose, raccontata in un affresco senza precedenti.
Con dettagli inediti e particolari interessanti raccolti in trent'anni di ricerca storica, Stephen Dando-Collins descrive le imprese della decima e dei suoi soldati, uomini normali ma capaci di azioni straordinarie, la routine della vita militare, i capolavori strategici di Cesare. Un viaggio unico e affascinante nei segreti della mitica legione, nella storia millenaria di Roma e nella mente di uno dei suoi più grandi generali. Titolo originale: "The Caesar's Legion. The epic saga of Julius Caesar's elite tenth legion and the armies of Rome" (2002).

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Book Cover: Caesar the War Dog
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'Will keep you on the edge of your seat... You'll venture on  a journey of admiration, despair, sadness, hope and joy.' SMART BOOKS FOR SMART KIDS, US

THE AUSTRALIAN BESTSELLER! Based on the true experiences of military dogs, here is a story of loyalty, strength, and the bond between a man and his dog that has captivated readers in Australia and the US.  

At the kennels, Caesar doesn't look special. But Corporal Ben Fulton sees something different—an intelligent dog whose curiosity will make him an excellent sniffer dog in the Australian Army.

On operations in Afghanistan with Ben, Caesar proves his worth, finding hidden explosives and saving the lives of the soldiers. Then, during a Taliban ambush, Caesar is separated from his master. In the aftermath, Ben and his best friend Charlie are seriously wounded and evacuated to the hospital before being shipped back to Australia. But where is Caesar?

From their home in Australia, Ben and his family search for clues that might reveal whether their beloved dog is still alive and surviving Afghanistan's bitter winter cold and capture by the Taliban. It will be a long road home, and Caesar will face many hardships along the way, but for this brave and loyal dog, anything is possible.

This book is based on the true story of Australian military dog Sarbi and its experiences in Afghanistan, combined with the factual experiences of Endal, the devoted British dog who cared for his wheelchair-bound ex-serviceman master and became the most decorated dog in history.

The success of this is first book led to a series of four more exciting Caesar the War Dog operations from Stephen's pen. Read all about them on this site.

Both boys and girls have fallen in love with Caesar, with teachers and parents thanking Stephen. "These books have got my boys reading!' they tell him.

TEACHERS AND CAESAR THE WAR DOG CLASS PROJECTS - SEND YOUR WRITING AND LETTERS TO STEPHEN

At a number of schools around Australia, classes have been reading the Caesar the War Dog series then writing their own fabulous 'Further Adventures of Caesar the War Dog.' Then, they've sent their work to Stephen, with each member of the class also writing Stephen a letter with their personal questions for the author. Stephen always sends a detailed thank you and reply to readers' questions.

If you and your class would like to do the same, send your class writing and letters to:

Stephen Dando-Collins, C/- Penguin Random House Australia, Level 3, 100 Pacific Highway, NORTH SUDNEY, NSW 2060. Pengiun Random House also have free Teachers' Resources available on this series.