By:Edward Wilson Landor Published By:Double9 Books
About the Book
The Bushman: Life In A New Country is a historical account of the experiences of British colonists in Australia, offering a reflection on the trials and triumphs of establishing life in a foreign land. The book delves into the motivations behind emigration, ranging from a desire for adventure to the necessity of escape from personal or financial failures. It paints a vivid picture of the challenges colonists face as they settle in the Australian wilderness, touching upon their initial optimism and the harsh realities that soon follow. The author, drawing from personal experience, recounts his journey to Western Australia with his brothers, detailing the difficulties of their preparations, including the animals and supplies they brought. The narrative explores themes of resilience, the quest for a new beginning, and the tension between dreams of success and the everyday struggles of colonial life. Through this personal journey, the book provides insight into the broader experience of early emigrants and their attempts to build new lives in an unfamiliar and often unforgiving environment.
Edward Wilson Landor (1811–1878) was an English lawyer, scholar, writer, and one of the early pioneers in the British colony of Western Australia. Born in Rushold, Lancashire, he received some legal training and worked as a junior partner in his uncle's law firm. Landor's early life was marked by a romantic entanglement with his second cousin, Julia, which caused significant personal distress and ultimately led him to emigrate to Western Australia in 1841, seeking a fresh start. Upon arrival, he initially pursued farming ventures with his brothers but soon focused on practicing law as a barrister in Perth. He was known for his legal defense work, including his famous case in which he defended an Aboriginal man named Wiwar, who was charged with murder for an act permitted under Aboriginal law. Landor's personal life and professional endeavors in the new colony were shaped by his complex background and the challenges of adapting to life in a foreign land. In addition to his legal work, Landor contributed writings about his experiences in Australia, offering insights into the life and struggles of early settlers in the region.