Bryce Courtenay launches novel Solomons Song. Solomons Song is about Australia's journey to nationhood. Pictured left to right is Sir William Keys and Bryce Courtenay. Photo: Fairfax Archives

Bryce Courtenay. Photo: Fairfax Archive

The Family Frying Pan by Bryce Courtenay. Photo: Fairfax Archive

Bryce Courtenay. Photo: Rick Stevens/Fairfax Archive

Bryce Courtenay at an event. Photo: Fairfax Archive

Bryce Courtenay at a book reading session in Paddington. Photo: Fairfax Archive

Bryce Courtenay pictured at his North Sydney office shortly after the release of his book,"The Potato Factory". Photo: Fairfax Archive

Gareth Evans with Bryce Courtenay and today to speak about a GST on books. Pic by Heath Missen.

Bryce Courtnay holding a 'Yowie' CD.ROM. Photo: Fairfax Archive

Bryce Courtenay with some year prep and 1 students from Williamstown North Primary School at Taronga Zoo to launch the yowie education CD. Photo: Fairfax Archive

Hazel Hawke and Bryce Courtenay sign the 'Sorry Book' on National Sorry Day. Photo: Sahlan Hayes

Bryce Courtenay at the launch of his new book Tommo and Hawk. Photo: Nick Moir

Bryce Courtenay at Geoff Pikes home in Cremorne, Sydney. The two produced a craze among young children with 'Yowies' - the wrapped chocolate with an Australian animal inside to build. Photo: Nick Moir

Bryce Courtenay embraces a friend at one of his book launches. Photo: Simon O'Dwyer

Bryce Courtenay embraces a friend at one of his book launches. Photo: Simon O'Dwyer

Bryce Courtenay talks about his new novel. Photo: Narelle Autio

Bryce Courtenay talks about his new novel. Photo: Narelle Autio

Bryce Courtenay. Photo: Fairfax Archive

Bryce Courtenay. Photo: Fairfax Archive

Bryce Courtenay. Photo: Fairfax Archive