Michael Fitzgerald Page facts for kids

Michael Fitzgerald Page AM (born February 2, 1922 – died November 3, 2014) was a talented writer, editor, and advertising expert. He was born in Britain but became an Australian citizen. Michael also served as a merchant sailor during World War II. He was honored with the Member of the Order of Australia in 1999 for his great contributions to books and for helping new Australian writers. He passed away in Adelaide, Australia, when he was 92 years old.

Michael Page's Early Life

Michael Page was born in Chester, England, in February 1922. His father was a merchant sailor and a Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve officer. Michael lived with his mother, older brother, and two sisters. His brother, Charles, also served in the military during World War II. Michael went to school in Teignmouth, England. He started training to be a signals officer for the Merchant Navy. He was already at sea when World War II began.

Serving in World War II

Michael Page served throughout World War II as a Radio Officer in the Merchant Navy (United Kingdom). He sailed in many important areas, including the Battle of the Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea, the North Sea, and the Indian Ocean. In 1941, he had to leave his ship for an emergency surgery. Later that year, he got malaria while sailing near West Africa. He finished the war in Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force. After the war, he spent two more years serving in Singapore. Michael continued working with the British Merchant Navy until 1951, when he retired from sea service in Australia.

Michael Page's Career as a Writer and Editor

After visiting Australia, Michael moved to Adelaide in 1952 with his wife and first child. He had started writing while he was at sea. However, his first book was published only after he left the Merchant Navy in 1951. He first worked as a copywriter in an advertising agency in Adelaide. He eventually became the manager of the agency.

Page's Books and Stories

Michael Page wrote many books. Many of his fictional stories were about the sea, set in old times or during World War II. He also wrote a lot about Australia's early history, when it was a colony. His non-fiction books were also often about Australian history. He wrote continuously from 1951 onwards.

His most famous book was The Encyclopedia of Things That Never Were. It was illustrated by his frequent partner, Robert Ingpen. This book was published in 1985 and sold over 70,000 copies. It is still being printed today.

Working in Publishing

In January 1967, Michael Page joined Rigby Limited, a publishing company in Adelaide. He became their Publishing Manager. At Rigby, he helped develop their fiction books. He even published works by famous author Colin Thiele. In 1982, he took early retirement to focus on freelance editing and writing. All staff at Rigby were dismissed in 1984 after the company was bought by James Hardie.

Awards and Recognition

In 1999, Michael Page was made a member of the Order of Australia. This award was given to him for his "services to the book publishing industry and to literature as a writer, and through the encouragement and support of upcoming Australian authors." This means he was recognized for helping the book world and for supporting new writers in Australia.

For his service in the Merchant Navy during the war, he received several medals:

• The 1939–45 Star
• The Atlantic Star
• The Africa Star
• The Italy Star
• The War Medal 1939–1945

Fiction Books by Michael Page

• Encyclopedia of Things That Never Were: Creatures, Places, and People (1986) illustrated by Robert Ingpen; also known as Out of This World: The Complete Book of Fantasy
• My Anastasia (2004)
• The Great Bullocky Race (1984) illustrated by Robert Ingpen
• Worldly Dogs (1986) illustrated by Robert Ingpen
• The Runaway Punt (1976) illustrated by Robert Ingpen
• Aussie Battlers (1982) illustrated by Robert Ingpen
• Mr Dohnt's Notice Garden (1988) illustrated by Michael Atchison
• Sailor of Fortune (1989)
• Sealed Orders (1988)
• Captain Blaze (1987)
• Blood of an Englishman (1985)
• A Nasty Little War (1979)
• Fortunes of War (1972)
• All in the Same Boat (1970)
• The Seizing of the Brig (1969)
• A Yankee Skipper (1968)
• Magpie Island (1964)
• Atlantic Star (1960) (unpublished)
• The Innocent Bystander etc (1957)
• Spare the Vanquished (1952)

Non-fiction Books by Michael Page

• The Prime Ministers of Australia
• Bradman: The Illustrated Biography (1983)
• The Flying Doctor Story, 1928 78
• Turning Points in the Making of Australia
• Colonial South Australia: Its People and Buildings (1985) illustrated by Robert Ingpen
• The Making of Australians (1987) illustrated by Robert Ingpen
• A Sea With Many Islands (1952)

Images for kids

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  Ribbon for the Order of Australia

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  Ribbon for the 1939–45 Star

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  Ribbon for the Atlantic Star

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  Ribbon for the Africa Star

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  Ribbon for the Italy Star

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  Ribbon for the War Medal 1939–1945