Buckley's Hope is based on the true story of a young English convict named William Buckley who, on Boxing Day 1803, escaped from an abortive first settlement in Victoria, Australia, and then survived in the wilderness for 32 years, after he was adopted and helped by local Aboriginal tribes.

In 1835, Buckley emerged with his tribal friends to meet Melbourne's founders, and quickly became an important guide and interpreter in the crucial first years of the European conquest of the Port Phillip region. Suddenly, trapped in the rapidly ensuing conflict between two vastly different societies, Buckley found himself mistrusted by his former black friends and by his white compatriots. He was so harshly reviled that his reputation has suffered to this day.

With great sensitivity, and based on meticulous research, Craig Robertson has re-created the fateful encounter between Australia's 'wild white man' and the original inhabitants of the Australian continent. Remarkably, through Buckley's eyes we can see how much was at stake and how much was lost when two worlds collided.

About the Author
Craig Robertson is a technical writer who documents computerised information systems. He lives in Melbourne, and is also the author of Song of Gondwana, published by Penguin in 1989.

Reviews

'Combines the conflicting elements of Australia's black and white cultures in a uniquely authentic way ... An appealing and sensitive novel ... he has succeeded masterfully.'

-- Paul Ormonde * Herald Sun *



Book Information
ISBN 9781922247223
Author Craig Robertson
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Scribe Publications
Publisher Scribe Publications