AustLit

'Trollope's only Australian novel, Harry Heathcote of Gangoil deals with the problems facing a young sheepfarmer, or 'squatter' (modeled after Trollope's son Frederic) in outback Australia. Using conventions of the Christmas story established by Dickens in the late 1840s, the novel shows Harry Heathcote thwarting the envious ex-convict neighbors who harbor his disgruntled former employees and who attempt to set fire to his pastures. Trollope draws heavily on his knowledge of the social and economic conditions of bush life acquired during a year-long visit to Australia in 1871-2. This story by Trollope reflects the author's readiness to diverge from the familiar paths that were most congenial to him and to his readership.'

Source: Publisher's blurb (1981 Arno edition).

This volume is a romance set against the backdrop of the wilds of Australia. Dick Halwood meets up with the Hatter, who tells the story of a strange land in the Australian desert where an odd yellow woman lives, ruling a band of aged pygmies. Tor Ymmothe, the yellow woman, is the last Queen of Lemuria. She has been condemned to live alone for thousands of years in the caves, paying the price for the arrogance of her race which was destroyed. She guards the body of a young princess, who has lain in a comatose state for thousands of years, waiting for her own true love to appear. Halwood discovers where the princess' body lies. Upon seeing her face, he learns she is the woman who had appeared to him in a vision. Join Halwood in his adventurous quest for true love.

'Set in the charming and deadly streets of Melbourne, this vivid and brilliantly plotted murder thriller tells the story of a crime committed by an unknown assassin. With its panoramic depiction of a bustling yet uneasy city, Hansom Cab has a central place in Australian literary history and, more importantly, it remains highly readable. ' (Publication summary)

Fantasy novel about a magician (practising the darker magics) from ancient Egypt striving for the soul of a woman.

'Mr. Boothby has proved himself a master of the art of story-telling from the point of view of the reader who asks for a succession of stirring events, a suspicion of mystery, and an interest not only maintained but culminating. It would be unfair to explain the extraordinary character of Pharos, or to do more than allude to the series of strange adventures wherein he plays a leading part. It is enough to assure Mr. Boothby's readers of delightful thrills and an interest which this vivid romancer never permits to flag.'

Source: Publisher's Blurb