Tassie footy fans looking for a reading fix during the finals are in luck, with the launch of Cazaly: The Legend in the island state next week.
Robert Allen has written for the Almanac and shown a keen interest in the site, and for all things sports writing. Especially footy writing. And even more so, footy history. You may recall Robert was a key instigator of Queensland Australian Footy Forensics.
The culmination of years of meticulous research, Robert Allen’s biography of Cazaly examines the life and times of one of Tasmania’s favourite adopted sons, including the stints he spent successfully playing and coaching in Hobart and Launceston and his post-football exploits as a physiotherapist, horse trainer and political candidate.
The book will be launched and discussed at several Tassie functions:
1. Footy launch of Cazaly: The Legend
When: Wednesday 20 September
Where: North Hobart Oval, Argyle Street North Hobart
Time: 6pm – 7:30pm
Cost: No charge. $5 from each book sale goes to the Hobart City Demons.
RSVP: To Nicola Cox at [email protected]
2. Fullers Bookshop: Robert Allen in conversation with Jane Longhurst
When: Thursday 21 September
Where:Fullers Bookshop, 131 Collins Street Hobart
Time: 5:30pm
Cost: No charge but RSVP is requested as places may be limited.
RSVP: https://www.fullersbookshop.com.au/event/cazaly-the-legend/
3. Launceston book signing
When: Friday 22 September
Where: Petrarch’s Bookshop, 89 Brisbane St Launceston
Time: 11am – 12noon
Cost: No charge.
RSVP: Not required but you may wish to call Petrarch’s on 6331 8088 to reserve a copy.
All welcome. More information about the book or any of these events is available from Robert at [email protected]
About Robert Allen
Robert is a football history tragic who lives in Brisbane with his three children and a ginger cat named Thomas O'Malley. He recently completed a biography of Roy Cazaly, in which he endeavoured to avoid what Gideon Haigh has called the two facets of most Australian sports biographies: cut-and-paste and tongue-in-bum.
Again, congratulations Robert. I’ve read the first 60 pages or so – to the chilling family tragedies. So much research, and such an evocation of the time – especially war service or otherwise. Looking forward to reading more. It’s my tram book.
I heard Robert on the Coodabeens a few weeks ago. Even in that brief time, it was apparent that the Cazaly story is one that needs to be out there.
A Mike Brady audio bonus edition? Perhaps not.
Sounds like a great yarn with a great story beyond footy. Well played Robert.