May 2025
A letter from Buckingham Palace
on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III.
"The King has asked me to thank you for your most generous gift of the copy of your book, entitled What a Capital Idea - Australia 170-1901. His Majesty greatly appreciates that you should have taken the trouble to write to him as you did ... Thank you once again for thinking of the King who would have me convey to you his warmest gratitude and very best wishes." Signed on behalf of His Majesty, by James Dawson, Head of Royal Correspondence.
Review as of April 2025
Chris has made some 60 presentations as well as radio interviews and podcasts during the past year. This includes three groups of the First Fleeter in Sydney, the Royal Automobile Club of Australia in Sydney, the Australian Monarchist League, the Women's Pioneer Society of Australia, Rotary Clubs and Probus Clubs.
The response to the book has been terrific; for example, a letter from Sunnybank, Qld., where John Stewart writes: "Let me thank you and congratulate you on your authorship. As a proud Australian, I found your book extremely interesting ... Up until now, Geoffrey Blainey's book Short History of Australia has been the go-to book for our history. In my view, your book surpasses that book and offers alternative insights into many events."
Geoffrey Blainey has written, saying, "You are to be congratulated. Your research is unbelievable and I found your book fascinating to read. There were many details that interested me. Your mother would be proud."
In the 12 months since the launch of the book, more than 1,700 copies have been sold.
December
A letter from the Hon. John Howard OM AC:
Dear Dr Reynolds. I am grateful for you sending me a copy of your book What a Capital Idea - Australia 1770-1901. It is clear to me that you have gone to great lengths to produce it, and contribute to a fuller understanding of Australia's great history."
October
His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), speaks with Chris at New South Wales Parliament House during the visit of His Majesty King Charles and Queen Camila.
.
Chris attends CPAC in Brisbane and meets quite a few friends who are loving the book, including Rowan Dean.
September
University of Queensland Monarchist Ball
- 'Mixing with Royalty' and anticipating Their Majesty's visit to Australia in October
Chris goes out to Sarat, near Roma, Queensland to attend the 100th anniversary of the last Cob & Co. coach run.
August
New Promo Video on What a Capital Idea - Australia 1770-1901.
Chris attends the 80th Anniversary of the Gatton Military Hospital and puts on his USS Missouri cap, given to him by one of the sailors on board the ship in Sydney Harbour. [When was that?]
.
July
.
Dr. Reynolds this year will speak at more than 50 Probus Clubs, Rotary, Men's Sheds, First Fleeters, Australian Monarchists, and special events.
.
June
ADH TV Interview with Adrian Coory on The Other Side
Dr. Reynolds talks about the secret plan behind the New South Wales venture
- Did Britain need the Colony by 1788?
Dr. Reynolds speaks at Voting Matters meeting in Wynnum, Brisbane
May 26 - Samuel Griffith Society Conference
The Honourable Ian Callinan, AC, Former Justice of the High Court:
"What a Capital Idea - Australia 1770-1901, is a remarkable piece of work and makes an excellent addition to my library."
Leader of the Opposition for Queensland, David Crisafulli, speaks of taking back education for Queensland and of how Chris might be involved to lead the charge.
.
.
May 9
Book Launch by Former Prime Minister, the Hon. Tony Abbott AO
Tony Abbott, David Flint and Sophie York spoke at the spectacular book launch of 'What a Capital Idea - Australia 1770-1901", at the Royal Automobile Club of Australia in Sydney on May 9, 2024.
"The book was launched by the Former Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Tony Abbott AC, to great acclaim. It is an important book – a unique and enriching addition to the wealth of historical material about Australia," said Sophie York.
"It is a great story. An absolutely wonderful story ... So God bless Australia and God bless Dr. Christopher Reynolds for telling our story so well." Tony Abbott.
"Tony Abbott launch[ed] a magnificent book by Chris Reynolds, What a Capital Idea - Australia 1770-1901," David Flint.
.
April 29 - Captain James Cook Memorial Day, Sydney
Dr. Reynolds speaks to crowd at the memorial.
ADHTV with David Flint - Save the Nation
Dr. Flint covers a number of topics - Dr. Reynolds time in Washington, the Secret Plan to bring down the French, the Constitution, Aborigines at the time of Settlement.
See Videos
April 13
Chris was a Guest Speaker at the Australian Monarchist League Symposium on
Australian British Heritage, in Sydney
Chris was a Guest Speaker at the SMB Group (Secret Men's Business Group) on the Gold Coast
Interview with Dr. Luke, from Melbourne, 'Everyday Medicine' goes to air. [See Australian History on this website]
Chris and the plans for the HMS Endeavour at the RACA, Sydney
March 5
Chris speaks at the International Women's Day luncheon at the Royal Automobile Club of Australia in Sydney on Caroline Chisholm
Brisbane Book Launch at the Australian Institute for Progress.
Chris speaks at the Brisbane Dialogue Club.
David Flint, ADH-TV, Save the Nation program, interviewed Chris [See Australian History on this website]
February, 2024
Chris has an article published in the Spectator-Australia magazine: The War of Words
. - https://www.spectator.com.au/2024/02/the-war-of-words/
November 2023
A Christmas drink with Tony Abbott
The Hon. Tony Abbott has agreed to launch What a Capital Idea in Sydney in the new Year.
Australian Monarchist League Annual Conference - Sydney
Chris was a keynote Speaker at the Annual Conference, with 50% of the participants purchasing What a Capital Idea.
The Hon. Eric Abetz introduced Chris and the new book
Chris had the opportunity to meet with Jarrod Bleijie, MP, Queensland Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
.
October
Australian Monarchist League Ball - Brisbane
Chris was mentioned in the Program Booklet for the Dinner and the book - What a Capital Idea, was given as a raffle prize.
David Stevens, Gary Hardgrave, Philip Benwell and Dr. Christopher Reynolds
September
Mudgeeraba Blues Rock Festival
A great afternoon was had by all.
Chris meets Cara from Hat Fitz and Cara ( what a voice) from Gympie, Queensland
http://www.hatfitzandcara.com/
August events
Spectator magazine publishes Dr. Reynolds article about the Voice and the Constitution
https://www.spectator.com.au/2023/08/the-voice-empowers-bureaucracy-over-democracy/
Gold Coast Rally for The Voice Referendum - Nerang Evangelical Church
Guest Speakers included Warren Mundine, Gary Jones, Pauline Hanon, Anthony Dillon and Dave Pellowe.
Some 650 people attended the rally and we sold lots of What a Capital Idea
Gold Coast Rally
Guest speakers were Matt Canavan and Gary Johns.
.
July, 2023
Macca in the Morning
Ian McNamara "Macca" of the Australia All Over ABC programme, also known as Macca in the morning, interviewed Chris about his new book, 
What a Capital Idea, after his morning show at Burleigh Heads beach on Sunday, July 16: what a lovely day for the outdoor event. The interview is scheduled to air on Sunday, July 23. Macca has a particular interest in the adventures of the pirate and explorer, William Dampier, and was fascinated to hear that Chris shared his admiration for Dampier. A Post on Dampier can be found on the Reynoldlearning.com website. Macca is personally concerned with the way society is going and the business going on about the Voice. As he talks to people all over this country, he has a feel for the issues that concern Australians.
See Video ...
Peta Credlin
Chris meets Peta Credlin and presents her with the book.
Peta Credlin came up from Melbourne to Brisbane to be the Guest Speaker at the LNP Dinner of
Saturday, July 8. Peta is a regular presenter for Sky News with her 'Credlin' program. As former Chief of Staff for Prime Minister Tony Abbott, and with extensive experience in journalism, Peta is one of the most sought-after speakers in Australia. Peta's friendly meeting with Chris soon turned to a serious review of the book, What a Capital Idea. Chris hopes to see more of Peta in the future.
David Littleproud
Chris meets David Littleproud
The Hon. David Littleproud MP, is the Leader of the Federal National Party representing the massive electorate of Maranoa - west of Brisbane. With a keen interest in Australian history, David was excited to receive a copy of What a Capital Idea.
In attending the Queensland LNP Conference, Chris found time to talk to: David Crisafulli, Christian Rowan, Deb Frecklington and Amanda Camm.
.
.
Time to promote the book with a YouTube video.
The promo video for What a Capital Idea is finished and put
Barnaby Joyce
Chris with Barnaby Joyce
.
Chris attended the Australian Monarchist League Luncheon and talked to Barnaby. Barnaby has a great interest in Australian history. Chris presented him with the book. Two weeks later at their next meeting, Barnaby reported that he was half way through it. Go Barnaby.
John Howard Speaks at Book Launch
Chris attended the book launch of David Stevens' new book Dignity and Prosperity.
He took the opportunity to catch up with Peter Dutton and John Howard.
Chris then spent time with Gary Hardgrave, who is also now reading his way through the book
June, 2023
Amanda Stoker
Amanda agrees to launch the book - What a Capital Idea, in Brisbane when the next edition arrives.
Nigel Farage
Chris writes to Nigel Farage and presents him with the book. Nigel writes back saying:
. Dear Chris,
. You have clearly succeeded in an absolutely herculean task. I look forward very much to reading this very
. well illustrated book and hope our paths cross next time I am down under.
. Then:
. I will be down under soon and will think what I may be able to do [to promote the book.]
Radio Interview on Vision Christian Radio
Chris goes on Air with Neil Johnson and Vision Christian Radio:
May, 2023
Amanda Stoker and Warren Mundine
.
Chris attends Symposium on the Voice and meets with Warren Mundine and Amanda Stoker
April, 2023
Peter Dutton
Dr. Reynolds with John Howard, Deb Newell and Eric Abetz
.
.
Chris with Peter Dutton
Spectator Luncheon
Chris attended this year's Spectator Luncheon at Bowral, NSW, and had the opportunity to talk to Peter Dutton, John Howard, Tony Abbott, Alan Jones, Andrew Bolt, Rowan Dean, David Flint, Warren Mundine, Bronwyn Bishop, Tina McQueen and Bruce Beresford.
Bruce Beresford, the world-famous film producer and director, was on his computer within hours and wrote;
. Christopher:
. Thanks so much for that enormous book! I looked through it for some hours last night and found it
. immensely interesting. I’ll read more ,of course, over the coming week and get back to you.
. Regards,
. Bruce.
What a Capital Idea - first printing
.
Within the month, a Sample copy of the book was available, just in time for Eric and Chris to attend the Spectator Luncheon in Bowral, south of Sydney. Eric introduced Chris to John Howard and Tony Abbott. As the afternoon proceeded, Chris was also able to meet quite a number of other people.
Eric Abetz
In April, Eric Abetz completed reading a eBook version of What a Capital Idea which Chris had sent to him.
He was absolutely taken by both the subject matter and the level of research. He wrote to Chris saying:
. Dear Chris:
. I can report I’ve now had the immense pleasure of reading your work page by page and word for word.
. I just finished moments ago and believed I should write immediately to express my gratitude for the immense
. amount of work that must have gone into compiling such a comprehensive account of our history.
. Also to tell you I thoroughly enjoyed the read and learnt a lot on the way through.
. Congratulations on an exceptionally fine effort, full of facts and easy to read.
. Eric Abetz,
. Former Senator the Honourable Eric Abetz – Parliament of Australia
. Former Senate Leader of the Government
Eric then called Chris to urge him to publish a hardcover of the book. This was to be the beginning of a close friendship.
