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Author Linnell, Garry, 1963- author

Title Buckley's chance : the incredible true story of William Buckley and how he conquered a new world / Gary Linnell
Published [Melbourne, Victoria] ; [North Sydney, New South Wales] : Michael Joseph, an imprint of Penguin Books, 2019
©2019

Copies

Location Call no. Vol. Availability
 MELB  364.1 Buckle Lin/Bct  DUE 16-07-23
Description xxi, 340 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (chiefly colour), maps, portraits ; 24 cm
Contents William enters the world -- William enters a new world -- William bridges two worlds -- William retreats from both worlds
Summary He fought Napoleon's army and survived. He was sent to the gallows and escaped the noose. Now he is in chains and on his way to the other side of the world. What happens next will become one of the most remarkable survival stories in history. The 19th century has just begun. The world is at war. England, ruled by a mad king, is exiling thousands of criminals to an old land that has become its newest dumping ground. One of those prisoners is William Buckley, barely 21, a former soldier sentenced to life for stealing two small pieces of cloth. He's a giant for his times. But it's not just his towering frame that sets him apart. It's his desire for freedom that will make his story so unique - even in an era famous for outrageous acts of bravery and heroism. On a moonlit night Buckley escapes and disappears into the Australian bush. Discovered and adopted by an aboriginal tribe who regard him as a ghost, he is initiated into their rich and complex culture. Given up for dead by his white captors, he will not be seen again for more than 30 years until he emerges one day...carrying a spear, dressed in animal skins and having forgotten the English language. Buckley's Chance is a profound journey into a turning point in history where cultures clash, bitter rivals go to war and the body count mounts. It's also the story of a man who refuses to be held down. A man prepared to defy all odds and take a chance. Buckley's chance
Notes "A new era of Australian storytelling" -- Cover
Bibliography Includes index and bibliographical references
Subject Buckley, William, 1780-1856
Fugitives from justice -- Australia -- Victoria
Aboriginal Australians -- Social life and customs
Aboriginal Australians -- Australia -- Victoria -- History
SUBJECT Australia -- Colonization -- History
Victoria -- History -- To 1834
Victoria -- History -- 1834-1851
Genre/Form History.
LC no. be2019036068
ISBN 9780143795742
0143795740