
Nicholas Newland AM was born in Adelaide in 1948 and is a fifth generation South Australian. His interest in the five sons of Simpson was ignited by his wanting to find out more about his grandfather, the youngest of the sons of Simpson and Jane Newland. His research uncovered more than he expected. Ironically he found out relatively little about his grandfather but a great deal about his grandfather's brothers. All Simpson and Jane's children were brought up in the Victorian era, where, in their parents' eyes, men were expected to be men - hence the title of his book Marra: The making of men. The name 'Marra' remains obscure though it has been used several times by various Newland families over succeeding generations. It is of some comfort that some things remain secrets; we don't need to know everything!
Nicholas and his wife Suzanne have four sons, all of whom, along with siblings and cousins, will learn something of their antecedents from this book.