Australian author Tim Winton has won the nation’s most prestigious literary prize for a record fourth time, taking the 2009 Miles Franklin award for his novel “Breath” that is centered around his passion — surfing.

Winton, 48, a lifelong surfer and environmentalist, won his first Miles Franklin award 25 years ago for “Shallows”. He also won the annual accolade in 1992 for “Cloudstreet” and in 2002 for “Dirt Music”.

Winton, who has twice been shortlisted for the Booker prize, said the Miles Franklin award has tried to do its part to stiffen the resolve and bolster the confidence of Australian writers and their readers.

The award, which comes with prize money of $42,000, recognises novels which “present Australian life in any of its phases.”

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Vans releases their first-ever book ‘Vans: Off the Wall’

It’s been talked about for many years and now is finally coming to life. On June 1, Vans released its first-ever book, Vans: Off the Wall, featuring 20-some-odd stories that collectively tell the story of the brand: from Rowley to Warped Tour, from Customs to Joel Tudor, from Alva and Cab to artist collabs.

The book is 208 pages in hardback, with more than 350 full-color photos, and published by Abrams, world renowned for high quality pop culture books. Vans is rolling out lots of bonus content and book info all of which can be tracked at vans.com/vansbook

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