Encyclopaedia of Things That Never Were: Creatures, Places and People
The author's best-known collaboration and a representative introduction to his illustrated fantasy reference work.
Author guide
Michael Page Books in Order
Michael Fitzgerald Page (1922–2014) was a British-born Australian writer, editor, advertising executive, and World War II merchant sailor. He wrote nautical and historical fiction, children's books, Australian history, biography, and illustrated reference works, frequently collaborating with illustrator Robert Ingpen. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1999 for services to publishing and literature.
historical fictionnautical fictionadventure fictionchildren's literaturefantasyAustralian historybiographyreference
Catalog record updated .
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Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Novels (21)
- A Sea with Many Islands
nonfiction · 1952
- Spare the Vanquished
novel · 1952
- The Innocent Bystander, etc.
novel · 1957
- Magpie's Island
novel · 1964
- A Yankee Skipper
novel · 1968
- The Seizing of the Brig
novel · 1969
- All in the Same Boat
novel · 1970
- Fortunes of War
novel · 1972
- The Flying Doctor Story, 1928–78
nonfiction · 1977
- South Australia
nonfiction · 1979
- A Nasty Little War
novel · 1979
- Turning Points in the Making of Australia
nonfiction · 1980
- Blood of an Englishman
novel · 1985
- Colonial South Australia: Its People and Buildings
nonfiction · 1985
- Sculptors in Space: South Australian Architects, 1836–1986
nonfiction · 1986
- The Making of Australians
nonfiction · 1987
- Captain Blaze
novel · 1987
- Sealed Orders
novel · 1988
- Sailor of Fortune
novel · 1989
- My Anastasia
novel · 2004
- The Prime Ministers of Australia
nonfiction
Nonfiction (2)
- Bradman: The Illustrated Biography
biography · 1983
Children's books (5)
- The Runaway Punt
children's-book · 1976
- Aussie Battlers
children's-book · 1982
- The Great Bullocky Race
children's-book · 1984
- Worldly Dogs
children's-book · 1986
- Mr Dohnt's Notice Garden
children's-book · 1988
Frequently asked questions about Michael Page
Who was Michael Page?
Michael Page was a South Australian author whose work ranged across Australian history, institutional histories, novels, architecture, fantasy, and dogs. He also wrote a full-length biography of Donald Bradman.
What did Michael Page do besides writing?
Page also contributed to the book-publishing industry and supported upcoming Australian authors, work explicitly recognized in his 1999 Australian honours citation.
Source: gg.gov.au (opens in a new tab)
What influenced Michael Page’s writing?
The surviving description of his work suggests a strong interest in Australia—especially its development, South Australian history, and institutions—alongside broader interests such as fantasy and architecture.
Did Michael Page receive any major awards?
Yes. In 1999, he was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for service to book publishing, literature, and the encouragement of emerging Australian authors.
Source: gg.gov.au (opens in a new tab)
What is Michael Page’s literary legacy?
Page’s legacy includes accessible writing about Australian life and history and notable collaborations with illustrator Robert Ingpen. Ingpen’s official bibliography records their work together across Australian, children’s, and fantasy-related books.
Sources: slsa.sa.gov.au (opens in a new tab)robertingpen.com (opens in a new tab)