Flynn of the Inland

Flynn of the Inland is a biography written by Ion Idriess about the life and work of John Flynn, an Australian Presbyterian minister and founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. The book was first published in 1932 and has since become a significant work in Australian literature, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of providing medical services to remote areas of the Australian outback.

Background

John Flynn was born in 1867 in Moliagul, Victoria. He was deeply moved by the lack of medical services available to people living in the remote areas of Australia. In 1912, he was appointed as the first superintendent of the Australian Inland Mission, a branch of the Presbyterian Church of Australia dedicated to providing spiritual and medical care to people in the outback.

The Book

Flynn of the Inland chronicles Flynn's journey from his early life to his groundbreaking work with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The book details the establishment of the service, the challenges faced in its early years, and the impact it had on the lives of people in remote communities.

Key Themes

The book explores several key themes, including:

• The importance of medical care in remote areas
• The role of faith and religion in motivating social change
• The challenges of innovation and technology in the early 20th century
• The spirit of Australian pioneers

Legacy

Flynn of the Inland has been praised for its detailed and compassionate portrayal of John Flynn's life and work. It has inspired many to learn more about the history of medical services in Australia and the ongoing efforts to provide care to remote communities.

See Also

• John Flynn (minister)
• Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia
• Australian Inland Mission
• Ion Idriess
• Outback