THE EMPIRE BUILDERS

WILLIAM STUART LONG

The ninth title in William Stuart Long's magnificent series, The Australians, continues the story of the pioneers who carved out a life for themselves in the newly-formed colonies of Australia and New Zealand.
   The Empire Builders opens in England in 1860 with Lieutenant Adam Vincent of the Royal Navy being tried by court martial and cashiered as a result of the loss of his ship by fire at sea. On impulse, he joins the 40th Foot Regiment as a private. On the voyage out to Australia to join his Regiment, his ship is driven onto a reef and Vincent heroically saves most of the passengers and crew when they take to the life boats...
   The Maori Wars (1860-66) are a burdensome conflict in which, with the 40th being sent there as well as a number of Royal Navy ships (among them Red Broome's), Adam Vincent becomes embroiled together with the Van Burens and the de Lanceys.
   The Australians series has sold more than 7 million copies in the English language.