Harry Heathcote of Gangoil: A Tale of Australian Bush-Life - Softcover

Trollope, Anthony

Softcover

ISBN 10: 151501939X ISBN 13: 9781515019398

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015

Synopsis

Harry Heathcote, a young Englishman, has leased 120,000 acres of bush from the Government of Queensland on which he runs 30,000 sheep. With him live his wife and two young sons and his sister-in-law Kate. Apart from the dangers of natural disasters, such as fire, Harry has enemies from some of his ex-workers and also a lawless family, the Brownbies, whose boundary adjoins that of Harry's land. As Christmas approaches, the Brownbies, assisted by some of Harry's ex-workers, set fires along the boundary of the two properties in order to finish off Harry's sheep station. As he and his men fight both the fires and the Brownbies, another neighbour comes to the rescue and between them all they defeat the Brownbies. It is then that Harry realises that he should no longer spurn offers of friendship from others. This novel is believed to be based on some of the experiences of Trollope's son, who wasted thousands of pounds in trying to set up and run a sheep station, until he had to admit defeat and give up the land.

About this title

About the Author:

Anthony Trollope (24 April 1815 – 6 December 1882) was one of the most successful, prolific and respected English novelists of the Victorian era. Among his best-loved works is a series of novels collectively known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire, which revolves around the imaginary county of Barsetshire. He also wrote perceptive novels on political, social, and gender issues, and on other topical matters. Trollope's literary reputation dipped somewhat during the last years of his life, but he regained the esteem of critics by the mid-twentieth century.

From the Back Cover:

This book deals with the problems facing a young sheep-farmer, or 'squatter', in outback Australia. Its hero is modelled on Trollope's younger son Frederic, who had lived in Australia since 1865. Using the conventions of the Christmas story, established by Dickens in the 1840's, the novel shows Harry Heathcote thwarting the envious ex-convict neighbours who harbour his disgruntled former employees, and who attempt to set fire to his pastures.

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 151501939X
• ISBN 13: 9781515019398
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 84