Online Shop, Books

For the secure purchase of any of these items, or to obtain more information, please quote the relevant item number when contacting us via email: opalcave@lightningridge.net.au

Books and Souvenirs

All books and souvenirs will be sent by post at cost, with dimensions and weight as a guide. For any currency conversions, Please use the converter located at the bottom of the page.

 

Image of item B1 of books from online shop

Item #B1

Item # B1

Lightning Ridge A Timeless Land - by Gan Bruce

This is the biggest (416 glossy pages) and most colorful book, both in photography and content, written about any of the Opal Fields of the world.

This particularly controversial local author was born in Lightning Ridge and he still lives here. Gan was famous in these parts as President of the Miner's Association, as well as a Walgett Shire Councilor, especially when he decided that Walgett Shire was not worthy of us and set steps in motion to seceded from Walgett Shire. Public meetings were held, arguments raged for years, and throughout all this, Gan wrote this stunning tome about the town and the people.

A Non-Fiction book that generated more controversy than any other book sine the Karma Sutra. Court cases were threatened, death threats were shouted, but Gan defiantly stood his ground.

Gan Bruce did not discriminate whom he targeted with his sharp pen, naming Shire councilors, State politicians and anybody whom Gan thought deserved a flogging.

Compiled in the 416 pages of his book is the most interesting and informative read, describing the largely unheard-of happenings that took place in one of the last frontiers of Australia.

Gan decided to write the history 'as she was' and not the glossy half truths generally proposed by people who were not here to see it all happen. Each page shows not only his sharp wit, his desire to show the harsh reality of life on the opal fields, but also contains beautifully detailed photos of the town, the people and the opals found in it.

The greatest read about Lightning Ridge, a must-have book that will engage you to the last page.

We seems to be the only people who have any copies of this incredible book available.

A collector's item.

AUD: $150

 

Image of item B2 of books from online shop

Item #B2

Item # B2

Rediscover Opals in Australia - Stephen Aracic

Stephen Aracic has 30+ years mining experience throughout Australia and all Opal Fields. A great collection of mining and prospecting methods, covering most Opal mining towns 'and some damn good stories'. A must have for any serious or casual miner - even the armchair variety!

Learn how to use surface indications and other prospecting methods to effectively find and mine for opal in the major fields of Australia.

Covering stories, information and beautiful pictures from places such as Lighting Ridge, White Cliffs, Coober Pedy, Andamooka, Mintabie, Lambina and the Queensland opal fields.

AU: $45, US: $30

 

Image of item B3 of books from online shop

Item #B3

Item # B3

 

Lightning Ridge Opal (Blood of the Gods) - Budd Severs

In the early 1900s, opal sellers Emily and Seth succumb to the lure of a new opal field, Lightning Ridge, the only source of the world's most beautiful gem - Black opal. They find it is as elusive and dangerous to mine as it alluring.

Believing he has killed his father, Seth flees into the horror of trench warfare in France. Even if he survives the conflict, can he overcome the aftermath trauma? Will his beloved Emily be his salvation?

And more menacing than the other hazards, two merciless killers stalk the pages, ensuring a bloody denouement.

After working as a reporter on a Sydney newspaper, the author, in 1965, traveled to the central Australian opal field of Andamooka to research his first book, scales of the Rainbow Serpent. He succumbed to the dreaded opal fever so rife on the fields and sank into opalholicism. He commenced mining and found a modest amount of opal. Since then he has worked as a miner, cutter and opal trader, spending much of his time dealing in the U.S.

AU: $19.95, US: $13.50