Showing results by author "Rolf Boldrewood" in All Categories

Robbery Under Arms, together with Marcus Clarke’s For the Term of His Natural Life, is considered to be one of the seminal Australian novels of the nineteenth century. It is a barnstorming yarn, delivered in the first person by one Dick Marston, a vigorous and basically honourable young man, who is lured into crime due to unfavourable circumstances.

Robbery Under Arms is a thrilling tale of bushrangers, horse thieves, and outlaws in the Australian outback. Following the exploits of Captain Starlight and his gang, this novel blends adventure, romance, and moral dilemmas, offering a gripping look at life on the edge of the law.

Plain Living is a heartfelt tale of a struggling Australian sheep rancher who teaches his family the value of simplicity and hard work. As he navigates financial troubles and the harsh landscape, he imparts lessons about love, perseverance, and the true meaning of wealth.

Join Englishman Valentine Blount on his adventurous quest for fortune in Australia. Alongside his rugged guide, John Carter, affectionately known as Little River Jack, Valentine stumbles upon an eerie abandoned camp. What secrets lie within its desolate remnants? Who once called this camp home, and why did they vanish? Dive into this intriguing tale of mystery and exploration, narrated by Lynne Thompson.

In the early twentieth century, it was often said that “Australia rides on the sheep’s back”—a reflection of the nation’s dependence on the wool trade. Accordingly, a vast itinerant army of labourers was required to shear the sheep and prepare fleeces for market. In this essay, Rolf Boldrewood provides a vivid picture of the shearing season on a large property.

Horses and horse racing have been staple themes in classic Australian fiction, and feature prominently in the works of iconic authors like Henry Lawson and “Banjo” Paterson. In this collection of six stories, Rolf Boldrewood provides vivid pictures of the days when horses and horse-drawn transport were intimately involved in daily life in both city and country.