A Modern Buccaneer

· Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
269
Pages
Eligible
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About this ebook

Excerpt: "Born near Sydney harbour, nursery of the seamen of the South, I could swim almost as soon as I could walk, and sail a boat at an age when most children are forbidden to go near the water. We came of a salt-water stock. My father had been a sea-captain for the greater part of his life, after a youth spent in every kind of craft, from a cutter to a man-of-war. No part of the habitable globe was unfamiliar to him: from India to the Pole, from Russia to the Brazils, from the China Sea to the Bight of Benin—every harbour was a home."

About the author

Rolf Boldrewood, the pen name of Thomas Alexander Browne (1826-1915), was an Australian author whose vivid portrayals of colonial life and pioneering spirit have left an indelible mark on Australian literature. Born in London, Browne emigrated to Australia with his family at a young age, where he would later draw upon his experiences as a squatter, gold commissioner, and police magistrate to infuse his narratives with authenticity and adventure.Boldrewood's literary career began relatively late in life, but his works quickly garnered attention for their dynamic storytelling and rich depictions of the Australian outback. His most famous novel, "Robbery Under Arms," remains a classic, celebrated for its thrilling tale of bushrangers and its exploration of themes such as lawlessness, morality, and redemption.A man of many talents, Boldrewood also contributed to the cultural and social discourse of his time, often reflecting on the rapid changes and challenges facing the young Australian colonies. His writings offer a window into the complexities of colonial society, touching on issues such as justice, class, and the harsh realities of frontier life.Despite his popularity, Boldrewood was not without controversy. His romanticized portrayals of bushrangers and colonial life sometimes drew criticism for glossing over the darker aspects of Australia's history, including the treatment of Indigenous peoples. Nonetheless, his influence on contemporary writers and his role in shaping the Australian literary canon cannot be overstated.Boldrewood's legacy endures, offering modern readers a captivating glimpse into the rugged and often tumultuous world of 19th-century Australia, while also prompting reflection on the narratives that have shaped national identity.

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