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 27 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.
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 This book, which is anything but a dry history, brings the first 80 years of this settlement alive with its personal stories of love, hate and bravery, interspersed among the fascinating historical facts that I never learned. 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 I learnt so many things, I highly recommend it. - ABC NEWS BREAKFAST Hamilton Hume was no cringing colonial. He was an Australian, the very first to show by deed and word the challenge and beauty of his country. With an admiration I share, Robert Macklin lets a great native son speak again. a fascinating read - DAILY TELEGRAPH on DARK PARADISE riveting and shocking - HERALD SUN on SAS SNIPER