LJ Hooker The Man: The Untold Story of an Australian Icon, is the fascinating and true story of LJ Hooker, the founder of the real estate empire. Born illegitimate to a half-Chinese mother in 1903, orphaned at the age of eight, and with no high school education, at 21 years of age, Leslie Joseph Tingyou changed his name by deed poll to Leslie Joseph Hooker. All he had to his name was a second-hand car that he leased, and a burning ambition to have the biggest real estate company in Australia.

The name LJ Hooker went on become synonymous with real estate. LJ Hooker created housing for thousands of people, developed some of the most prestigious buildings in Australia, and also became the largest landowner in the Southern Hemisphere with property holdings the same size as Belgium. Also a philanthropist, in 1973 Leslie Hooker was knighted in recognition of his distinguished service to commerce and the community.

Sir Leslie Hooker’s unique and compelling story, told by his granddaughter, Natalia Hooker, is one of courage, determination and persistence. The story’s backdrop is the development of the Australian nation and the underlying White Australia Policy. With stunning photography throughout, this remarkable book will be cherished for generations to come.