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Baz Luhrmann's epic inspires rerelease of Herbert classic*

The classic Australian novel Capricornia, first published in 1938, is receiving a new lease of life with the release of Baz Luhrmann’s epic movie Australia.

The film's producers gratefully acknowledge the contribution made by the late author Xavier Herbert in “chronicling the events of Northern Australia in his novels Capricornia and Poor Fellow My Country".

And, the handsome black stallion which plays a part in the romance between Nicole Kidman’s character Lady Sarah Ashley and Hugh Jackman’s The Drover is named Capricornia!.

Capricornia has remained in print but with the movie sparking huge interest in the story of the Northern Territory, HarperCollins is releasing a special gift edition of the book.

HarperCollins Publishing Director Shona Martyn says that while Capricornia is only one of a large range of influences on the film’s makers and writers, it offers a wonderful follow up for people who love the film and are intrigued to learn more of the time and place.

"It's sprawling, explosive, thronged with characters, plots and subplots, and at 592 pages an epic in its own right," she said.

"Spanning three generations, the novel tells the story of Australia’s North. It is a story of whites and Aborigines and Asians, of chance relationships that can form bonds for life, of dispossession, murder and betrayal."

Xavier Herbert, Capricornia (HarperCollins; 592pp paperback; $32.99)

*Based on media release issued by HarperCollins.