Scholarly Scoundrel

Until Laurence Halloran got to Australia in Governor Macquaries time, there was nowhere for anyone to get more than rudimentary schooling. But Australias educational leader in convict times was a flawed and fascinating product of the 18th century. Biographer Jan Worthington gives us the first book to present the whole, sordid story of the self-styled doctor of classical studies—who in England as a naval recruit was jailed for knifing a fellow sailor. Who had to flee South Africa when he enraged colonial authorities. Who trailed around wives, mistresses and 22 children in a career on four continents. Who impersonated a graduate and a clergyman, and was transported to N.S.W. after authorities found conterfeit print blocks in his flat. With a gift of alienating people who mattered, Halloran had to keep on the move, so his life story is a stranger-than-fiction tour through the high society and low life of a bygone world: capital cities, battles, English villages, churches, prisons, rising colonies, schools and ships. Thoroughly researched and richly illustrated.