Arthur Raymond Jones was born in Cessnock, NSW. He first became interested in William Redfern as Principal of Minto Public School which was opposite the historic precinct of William Redfern's farm and home. Since that time his insatiable desire for historical investigation and evaluation of evidence has seen him present and publish on Redfern's expertise, interests and endeavours, including Redfern's studies at Edinburgh University and his valuable contributions to the early colony of New South Wales. Better Than Cure, published in two volumes, is the culmination of more than 55 years' work. Throughout his career, Arthur, who has enjoyed a long-term and passionate interest in libraries, participated in the establishment of local and school libraries, and built opportunities for community development through his contributions to local government and urban planning. He was an Alderman on Campbelltown Council from 1971 to 1977 and a member of the Macarthur Development Board from 1981 to 1987. He is also a Life Member of the Campbelltown and Airds Historical Society. In keeping with his love of libraries and early memories of books, which to him were uncommon but highly valued, he and the Jones family have donated his personal library of research material that underpins Better Than Cure, to the Campbelltown City Library, NSW.