This introduction to a 1960s audiobook recording of the novel of Wake in Fright is spoken with a refined radio broadcaster's accent. The voice couldn't be more at odds with the the tone of the novel itself, making for an unusual contrast.

Nevertheless, this spoken word extract to the 'talking book' offers a useful summary of the story. It concludes with a dedication to author Kenneth Cook's wife, Patricia. The speaker also intones the expression that gave rise to the book's title: 'May you dream of the Devil and wake in fright'.

Wake in Fright was the first novel by Australian author Kenneth Cook and was published in 1961.

Notes by Stephen Groenewegen