Too Young to Hold a Gun
An intriguing historical novel telling the story of William Monckton, who rode with Fred Ward, aka Captain Thunderbolt.
$35.00 - Delivered anywhere in Australia
If you would like to purchase a copy, and can't find an outlet from the list below, click on the button corresponding with the book you wish to enjoy and purchase online.
Alternatively, please click the 'Contact Author' button, leave your details and I'll contact you regarding other ways to obtain a copy.
In Thunderbolt Country (New England of New South Wales) - Books are available at the following -
Visitor Information Centres NSW - Armidale, Glen Innes, Uralla, Inverell, Tamworth, Murrurundi, Gloucester, Canowindra and Forbes.
Also at -
Uralla - McCrossin's Mill Museum
Bendemeer Hotel - Bendemeer
Tamworth - Collins Booksellers
Armidale - Collins Booksellers
Bingara - Bingara Newsagency
Glen Innes - Beardies History House Museum
Maitland - McDonalds Booksellers & Stationers
Orange - Collins Booksellers
Wagga Wagga - Collins Booksellers
Paterson - Tocal Homestead
Salamanda Bay - Readers Retreat
Other Areas -
Queensland -
Toowoomba - Cobb & Co Museum
Maleny - Rosetta Books
Victoria -
Beechworth Books
Beechworth Visitor Information Centre
Glenrowan - Kates Cottage/Ned Kelly Museum
Benalla - Visitor Information Centre
Ballarat - Collins Booksellers on Lydiard
- Everybody Knows Books - 10 Sturt St
Echuca - Collins Booksellers
Shepparton - Collins Booksellers
Canberra -
Book Cow, Kingston
Pulp Book Cafe at Federation Square - Gungahlin
Book Passion - Belconnen Food Markets
For young Will Monckton, running away at age 13 and joining Thunderbolt’s gang for a life of crime, seemed like a better prospect than being abused by a cruel step-father. For almost a year, he rode with the outlaw until he was eventually captured and sentenced to six years imprisonment with one year hard labour at Darlinghurst Gaol, Sydney. He was only 14 years old.
Too Young to Hold a Gun by Peter Spencer is the author’s debut novel based on William Monckton, who would later become his great-grandfather. A fictionalised account told from William’s perspective, it reveals firsthand, the hardships of a life on the run and the horrors endured by a young boy in a colonial-era gaol. But it is also a tribute to the man who learned a hard lesson and who spent the rest of his life as an exemplary member of society.
Troy Cassar-Daley, Australian singer and song writer excited to get his own copy of 'Too Young to Hold a Gun'
I am Captain Thunderbolt
After swimming to freedom from the notorious Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour, Fred Ward, aka Captain Thunderbolt, terrorised the roads over a greater area than any other bushranger. For nearly 7 years he and his gangs robbed stations, pubs, mail coaches and held captive whole towns with importunity. Follow the gentleman bushranger’s amazing career as it is brought to life like never before.
Written in the first person and arranged in concise chronological episodes in the outlaw’s career, this meticulously researched and refreshingly original take on the saga, I am Captain Thunderbolt, is earthily unadorned, plausible, unashamed and generous in spirit.
In this deeply personal story, we don’t sit back and study the subject like an entomologist with a pin through a butterfly. No, we get to hear the words from his very own mouth, because Peter Spencer has gone into the very soul of the outlaw and is speaking not about him … but for him.
- Kent Mayo OAM, Hon Director, McCrossin’s Mill Museum, Uralla
