Ben Hall

Ben Hall, sometimes referred to as the “gentleman bushranger”, was the son of poor ex-convicts. His early adult life held promise though; he was hard-working and well respected. He had a family and a partnership in his own cattle station. Then a series of misfortunes befell Hall and his path crossed that of the notorious bushranger Frank Gardiner. Influenced by Gardiner and his gang, Ben Hall entered into a life of crime. During his three years as a bushranger, Hall and his gang committed hundreds of robberies, many of which were violent. For a time, however, Hall had the support of the public, who respected his daring and courage and admired him for outwitting the police. This book tells the story of Ben’s life, his notorious exploits as a bushranger and the events that lead to his ultimate betrayal and death.

The Australian Bushrangers series by historical researcher, Jane Smith, details the colourful lives of six of Australia’s most famous bushrangers: Captain Thunderbolt, Captain Moonlite, Frank Gardiner, Ben Hall, and the two men known as ‘Captain Starlight’. These simply written and entertaining books are beautifully presented and historically accurate. Full of interesting facts and dangerous exploits, and including lots of newspaper clippings,images and primary sources, these books will appeal to younger readers, and in fact anyone interested in Australian Colonial history.