'Jim Gumm is an ex-infantryman and ex-con, a devoted leading-manservant who’s never had his own way or love until Eliza Batman, the wife of his brutal and land-obsessed boss. An infamous treaty brings Jim to the shores of Port Phillip where a wildman walks into camp. As the unknown wildman struggles with the loss of his daughter and wife, he becomes Buckley again for settlers who consider him a godsend for their treaty. To Jim, how Buckley has lived a free lifetime with the blacks is a tempting mystery.
'William Buckley was Victoria’s first conciliator and long-term European resident; Jim Gumm was one of Melbourne’s first residents.' (Publication summary)
Editor's note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this publication may contain names of deceased persons.
