In 1929 Reg Rae was born in Toongabbie, Sydney. Being small for his age he was nicknamed "Skeet" by his father. At 13 not academically inclined he leaves school to find work as a bread carter and Blacksmith, confronting the challenges and conflicts of the job. He recalls the stories of his mum, dad, brothers and sisters through the depression and World War 2. At 16 stricken with Polio, he finds the courage in overcoming the debilitation effects of the disease and goes on to live a normal life. Then In 1952 after tragically losing both his wife and home, rising from the ashes he keeps going and starts again.

"Just off the main building on the open verandah, there are many more little patients. It's not a sunny veranda and it can be cold. The head of each bed is pushed up against the brick wall in a row down the veranda. Each child is fixed in place in some way." This was how Beryl Wyber spent much of her childhood in a hospital system which was overwhelmed by the polio epidemic of the 1930s: confined to a hospital bed at 17 months with spinal TB and allowed to see her mother for only an hour a week. On her release at 13 after 12 years in hospital she is mystified by things she had never experienced. No one had ever shown her a stove, a carpet, a chest of drawers or an electric fan. Beryl's story of discovery and her building a life in her teens is told by her daughter, author Lorraine Townsend. My book "Heavens Special Mum" is a moving tribute to the triumph over adversity ending in tragedy which was my Mother's life.""

Psychology: an introduction 3rd edition is a comprehensive psychology textbook aimed at first-year students. The third edition has been revised to focus on key areas of the undergraduate syllabus. The book retains its strength in providing students with a sound theoretical foundation, as well as streamlining the detail provided in the narrative introductions, research findings and relevant case studies. This gives students the tools to develop their own ideas and to engage critically with the content. Psychology: an introduction provides an excellent foundation for students pursuing careers in diverse fields, such as health, education, business, and social development.