'You almost feel you are taking that trek with the party as Robert Macklin cites the obstacles - torrential river crossings, dense bush, the Snowy Mountains and more. Macklin covers Hume's public and private life, emphasising his affinity with the country and rapport with the Indigenous people, as well as providing a portrait of the evolving colony.' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

The stirring untold story of a true Australian hero who opened up the nation.

While English-born soldiers, sailors and surveyors have claimed pride of place among the explorers of the young New South Wales colony, the real pathfinder was a genuine native-born Australian. Hamilton Hume, a man with a profound understanding of the Aboriginal people and an almost mystical relationship with the Australian bush, led settlers from the cramped surrounds of Sydney Town to the vast fertile country that would provide the wealth to found and sustain a new nation.

Robert Macklin, author of the critically acclaimed DARK PARADISE, tells the heroic tale of this young Australian man who outdid his English 'betters' by crossing the Blue Mountains, finding a land route from Sydney to Port Phillip and opening up western New South Wales. His contribution to the development of the colony was immense but downplayed in deference to explorers of British origin. HAMILTON HUME uncovers this brave man's achievements and paints an intriguing and at times shocking portrait of colonial life, by the author of the bestselling SAS SNIPER.

'Robert Macklin calls Hamilton Hume 'our greatest explorer', and now that I've read this enthralling but at times shocking story, I totally agree.' ***** GOOD READING

About the Author
Robert Macklin was born in Queensland and educated at University of Queensland and the Australian National University. He has worked as a journalist at the COURIER-MAIL, THE AGE and THE BULLETIN, and was associate editor of the CANBERRA TIMES until 2003. Robert is the author of 29 books, including DARK PARADISE, HAMILTON HUME and four works focusing on the SAS and Australia's Special Forces: SAS SNIPER, REDBACK ONE, SAS INSIDER and WARRIOR ELITE. He lives in Canberra.

Reviews
To Come * Canberra Times *
This is an enjoyable, enlightening account that should be read by every thinking adult. * MC Reviews *
For those who enjoy reading about Australian history, and the making of a nation, I highly recommend Hamilton Hume as an enjoyable and fascinating read. * The Reviewers blog *
Our long history of putting a difficult problem out of our sight. * Crickey.com.au *
You almost feel you are taking that trek with the party as Robert Macklin cites the obstacles - torrential river crossings, dense bush, the Snowy Mountains and more * Sydney Morning Herald, Newcastle Herald, Burnie Advocate, Western Advocate, Northern Daily Leader, North West Star, Ballarat Courier, Daily Advertiser, Bendigo Advertiser, Launceston Examiner *
https://startsat60.com/stories/entertain/books/is-hamilton-hume-australias-greatest-explorer * Starts at 60 *
a fine biography, a fitting tribute * Golden Plains Miner *
Review * Redland City Bulletin *
This book, which is anything but a dry history, brings the first 80 years of this settlement alive * Good Reading *
Review * Dubbo Photo News *



Book Information
ISBN 9780733638794
Author Robert Macklin
Format Paperback
Page Count 336
Imprint Hachette Australia
Publisher Hachette Australia
Weight(grams) 304g
Dimensions(mm) 197mm * 131mm * 25mm