Tony Fenton is crowdfunding the publication of his book, A History of Port Davey, volume one: Fleeting Hopes. This is a varied and detailed look at the early history of that magnificent waterway. Tony is following in his grandfather Deny King's shoes with his passion for the place. He has been researching for this book for many years and, with your help, he will be able to share the amazing history of Port Davey with us all. This book complements two biographies associated with the area: King of the Wilderness: the life of Deny King by Christobel Mattingley and Win & Clyde: side by side in Tasmania’s far south-west by Janet Fenton. Fleeting Hopes tells the story of Port Davey before Deny, Win and Clyde’s time.

To quote from the foreword for Tony’s book, written by Christobel Mattingley: “Exploration, shipping and shipwrecks, whaling, pining, boatbuilding, prospecting and mining are … described in detailed chapters covering the history of the area until the First World War, with comprehensive endnotes and impeccable acknowledgement of sources. So the volume is a treasure trove for future researchers, while the general reader will be rewarded with stories of optimism, enterprise, avarice, ingenuity, desperation, dogged determination, courage and heroism. And all readers will enjoy the occasional flashes of the author’s humour.”