Drunkenness and celebrity obsession 1860s style in new teen novel

Gold Hunter is an original tale of adventure for teenagers and is set in Australia. One of its themes is to explore the modern craving for fame and fortune among the young; something which it suggests doesn't necessarily lead to their happiness. In 1864, an arrogant and ambitious sixteen-year-old steals his widowed mother’s life-savings and sails from Cardiff to Australia to find gold. William Jenkins journeys into the bush only to encounter drunkards, crocodiles, outlaws and aboriginals with a reputation for cannibalism. When he stumbles into a strange community of ex-convicts, their leader tells him, “You’re the one sent to us by God”. William is then astonished to be offered half the profits in a gold mine. But before before returning to Wales, he discovers that there are more important things in life than riches. Though a work of historical fiction, several themes are explored which should strike a chord with modern teenagers. The binge-drinkers who crowd into city centres at night have much in common with the colonial drunkards of 1864. The story also delves into the complexities of mother-son relationships which are as fraught in the story as they often are today. William disobeys, curses and then steals from his widowed mother. Through his experiences in the bush, he comes to realise that, as Tom Davies puts it, "I do know that – above all things in this world – you should love your mam". The author comments, “On one level, Gold Hunter is a simple adventure story about a young Welsh migrant to Australia in the 1860s, which is why I chose the Aussie-Western scene with the bound and gagged bushranger for the cover. Like many teenagers, I like an action-packed narrative and I deliberately write in a fast-paced style. But there is a deeper meaning to the story. William Jenkins discovers that the fame and fortune which he craves at the outset do not make him happy. In a world obsessed with celebrity, regardless of any talent being involved, this strikes me as a point worth making.” William Vaughan was born and educated in Cardiff. He taught History and English in Leicestershire and at the Cathedral School, Llandaff, before becoming a writer of fiction for children and young adults. He is a member of Academi. William Vaughan’s third novel follows his success with The Black Legion, also published by Y Lolfa.

Historical novel will inspire a new legion of young readers

The Black Legion

This is a new (and probably the first-ever) novel based on the French invasion of Pembrokeshire in 1797 to be aimed at older children and young adults. This important historical event is one of the most dramatic events in Welsh history and provides an ideal setting for this tale of adventure, treachery and teenage love.

The author William Vaughan, being a former teacher of History and English, has the experience to know what inspires the imagination of youngsters. He says: “I deliberately wrote the novel in a light, fast-paced style with the aim of transforming a brief chapter in school text-books into a vivid and gripping reality.”

The Black Legion will be an ideal introduction to the subject of the French invasion for schoolchildren. William Vaughan says he does “not accept that today’s teenagers are uninterested in Welsh history. The last invasion of Britain is an exciting period which deserves to be remembered and I trust this adventure novel will help to serve the purpose.”

The central characters in the novel are Tom, a young servant, and Megan, a Major’s daughter. They have feelings for each other but are constrained in declaring their emotions by the class divide. However, they witness the invasion together and are soon caught up in dramatic events which will change their lives forever.

The author has interwoven historical details into the action-laden plot in order to portray the period accurately. Scenes of brutality on board convict ships and rat-infested gaols are contrasted with shimmering, candlelit ballrooms and portrait-lined castles. The Black Legion will delight older children and young adults who enjoy a well-written, swashbuckling tale.

The author was born in Cardiff and studied History and English at Leicester University, obtaining BA and MA degrees. He gained a PGCE from University College, Cardiff and taught History and English in Leicestershire and at the Cathedral School, Llandaff, before becoming a writer of fiction. He has also written The Midnight Ghost, a novel for children, which was published by Gwasg y Bwthyn in 2004.

Gwasg y Bwthyn in 2004.

Teitl / Title


The Black Legion

Dyddiad cyhoeddi / Publication date


14.11.08

Pris / Price


£5.95

Awdur / Author


William Vaughan