Kristen's Books

And what are the books I have written?

My first book was Clive Caldwell, Air Ace, published by Allen & Unwin in 2006. And who was Clive Caldwell? Well, Clive Caldwell was officially attributed with 27½ victories and became Australia's highest scoring fighter pilot in World War II. In addition, he became an Ace in both the Middle East and Pacific theatres - the only Australian pilot to attain this status. He served with 250 Squadron RAF, 112 Squadron RAF and 1 Fighter Wing RAAF and scored with all of these formations. He commanded 80 Fighter Wing but was not able to increase his score. Originally considered an individualist, Caldwell became a fine fighter pilot and a dedicated leader, much loved by those he commanded. He did not wear the restrictions of the RAAF well and, despite his achievements, endured public inquiry over liquor trading and the so-called Morotai Mutiny. Even so, he continued to be well-regarded and respected by the public.

In writing his biography, I had access to Caldwells personal papers as well as official and privately held records. It is a celebration of his military achievements and details his rise from a green fighter pilot to Wing leader and includes details of his air battles. It also includes unprecedented discussion of the Barry Inquiry and Caldwell's court-martial.

It is still in print and if you would like a signed copy ($A35.00 + p&p) just order via the website http://www.alexanderfaxbooks.com.au/ If you have read it and would like to make comments, please do so.


The second is Jack Davenport, Beaufighter Leader, again published by Allen & Unwin. Jack Davenport AC DSO DFC* GM flew two tours with 455 Squadron RAAF, commanding it during his second. He flew from stations in Scotland and England on operations to France, Germany, Holland and Norway as well as a three month stint in Russia. 455 Squadron became known as a ship busting squadron, and Jack was considered an ace ship buster. From saving the lives of his crew from a near-fatal spin, to rescuing a pilot from a blazing aircraft, pilot Jack Davenport, was an indisputable hero of the Second World War. Post war, Jack went on to become a very successful and well respected businessman. Jack Davenport, Beaufighter Leader charts Jack Davenport's development from his Depression-era childhood, to the green pilot who had difficulties locating the target on his first Bomber Command operations, through to the superb pilot who led successful strikes against German shipping and the cool and resourceful planner of Coastal Command operations in the latter months of the war.


If your appetite has been whetted, preorder your copy now by emailing us at alexfax@alexanderfaxbooks.com.au Cost for a signed copy is $A35.00 + p&p.
Enough of the commercial!

Just a few random blatherings

Noting our limited shop hours, a number of customers blithely comment that it must be wonderful having so much free time. I wish we did have plenty of free time. Just because we are not at the shop doesn’t mean that we are enjoying ourselves: there always seems to be something to do regarding our little business. For instance, I am writing this on a Sunday so I can send the list out bright and early tomorrow (the 1st). Well, that is work, is it not? And the fact that I have to put the finishing touches to the list and print it out, well, that’s work too, isn’t it? We headed out to the lock-up earlier to get some boxes of books for sorting and, because we have air heads and did not think of it before hand, we have to go out again to post some letters. Again work. And I had better not get too comfortable at my desk as David will be turfing me out soon so he can do some invoices. Tomorrow and Tuesday, technically days off, will pan out about just the same workwise. But we do try and fit in some leisure time and, to be honest, we did try this morning.

It was one of those days, struggling to be fine but drizzle and grey dominating. The perfect sort of day to remind you that tomorrow is the 1st day of winter. We woke up with nothing planned and wondered what we should do to make the most of the day. Our books were looking mighty attractive as we thought of having to rug up and head outside. Then David noted a rerun of Magnum PI (and he was always a bit of a honey wasn’t he. My opinion re Magnum, I mean. Oh yes, and David). But no, we could not loll around all day watching reruns or reading. So we decided to brave the iffy weather and go for a jaunt.

One of our local journalists has been featuring day trips over the last few weeks. I have been saving them and, rather than head out on the same day as the hoards, thought we would be safe if we went a few weeks later. Last week we tried Bowning. The place we thought to have lunch was crowded. It had never occurred to us to book. Today we tried Collector. Again, it did not occur to us to book. And how could you anyway when you have no idea at the beginning of the week if you will actually have time to spare at the weekend. And even if you did have the foresight to plan ahead, what if you did not know the name of the place? So we trundled out. The place we had planned to have lunch was not open. Not sure if it was closed down or just not open. It had been on the market the last time we were there two years ago so perhaps that should have been a hint. So we tried the pub. It was empty, and as we walked in the sole bar staff walked out to her car. We saw the menu and noted it had nothing vegetarian so left. No one noticed. Then we thought to try the popular, trendy venue. Surely it could not be full if the pub was empty. Well, popular and trendy was packed to the rafters and by the looks of things, booked out till next Christmas. So we ambled on home. Hungry and desperately trying to think of something that would be open and half empty as it approached 1.00 on a Sunday. We ended up at the mall with takeaway from the food hall. So, as soon as I finish my bits and bobs, I am heading off to find my book. And when David turfs me out, and finishes his invoices, he will wander off to find his book. Pity we did not think to tape Magnum!

Before I wander off, a couple of little stories for you, gleaned from the latest newsletter from the Battle of Britain Historical Society. I have already shared one of them with a couple of you so bear with me if you have read it before....

Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right and the other is a husband (very astute, this one!)

And for all the lawyers out there, apparently (and I assume we must trust the BOBHS) these are actual exchanges from American court rooms...

Attorney: The youngest son, the twenty year old, how old is he?
Witness: He’s twenty, much like your IQ

Attorney: Were you present when your picture was taken?
Witness: Are you kidding me?

Attorney: How was your first marriage terminated?
Witness: By death
Attorney: And by whose death was it terminated?
Witness: Guess.

Comments are welcome

We would like to see this site become a discussion forum. Feel free to comment on any of our posts. Let us know if you agree, disagree, want more information, find the post interesting, or not, as the case may be. Be warned you criticise the cat at your own risk. Though she may appear to ignore you, you may be overwhelmed by a wave of disdain heading your way through cyberspace!

Welcome to the Alexander Fax Booksellers Blog

Although Alexander Fax Booksellers specialise is quality second military books (especially those relating to Australian military) our inventory is quite broad. David has a deep interest in all matters fishing, so we have a good fishing book collection; we both would love to travel more so we have a fair few local history books; and Australian and Aboriginal history feature strongly in our inventory. If you are in Canberra, pop into our shop at Southlands Shopping Centre, Mawson (Wednesday-Saturday 10.00-4.00) or if Canberra is a bit too far off your personal beaten track, visit us at http://www.alexanderfaxbooksellers.com.au/. Our inventory is fully searchable and we offer secure ordering.

Alexander Fax Booksellers is really Kristen Alexander (moi) and my husband David Fax. We blended our names because at the time we thought it would be cool to create a sophisticated sounding business persona. If anyone recalls that kitchy show of times gone by Remington Steel, you will get the allusion. Unfortunately it backfired. You would be surprised at how many people ask to speak to Alex! But the name has grown on us and we will stick with it.

Despite the name we are real people, with real interests and a genuine love of books: both those we sell and those we collect and read ourselves. I won't bore you with our life histories but as I update the blog you will get to know stacks about us (probably more than you need!). The core things that you need (or don't need) to know are that we love books, love cats and will bore you to death about the wonders of Misty, and Kristen (moi) is an author who has had one military biography published and eagerly awaits the publication date of her second on 1 July.