Archibald Crawford arrived in Australia in 1838, aged 5. For 85 years he fought hard to survive in hard but beautiful land and then decided to write a book about his experiences. Through his countless journeys and experiences he stumbles across many landmark moments in colonial Australian history, although rarely lingers too long to share many details. So when his great great grandson read the book many years later, not only did he want to republish his ancestors amazing story, but fill in the gaps of the many fascinating episodes barely hinted at. 85 years in Australia was first released by the early Australian publisher, John Sands, in 1925, a year after the book was completed by a 91-year-old Archibald Crawford who died in the year his book went to print. Then 91 years later, Peter Hallett reproduced the book, with many interesting additions, making available again a story that is an important snapshot of life in 19th century and Federation Australia.