Description
Discover the gripping tale of Johnny Day, the boy from Ballarat who defied the odds to become Australia's first international sporting hero. In Robert Drewe's masterful novel, 'Nimblefoot,' readers are transported back to the 19th century, where Johnny's extraordinary journey unfolds. At just ten years old and barely four feet tall, he captured the hearts of audiences around the world as the World Champion in the then-popular sport of pedestrianism. This trade paperback (UK) edition of 'Nimblefoot' is packed with 320 pages of rich storytelling that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
As Johnny wins the prestigious Melbourne Cup on a horse named Nimblefoot, he finds fame among Melbourne's elite and even graces the presence of British royalty. But his newfound glory takes a dark turn when he becomes embroiled in a murder mystery, leading him to flee for his life. Set against the backdrop of historical events, this coming-of-age thriller weaves a narrative that is both exhilarating and poignant. Witness Johnny’s transformation as he navigates danger, identity changes, and the quest for survival.
Printed in 2022 by Penguin Australia Pty Ltd, this BRAND NEW novel ensures immaculate condition for collectors and readers alike. Don't miss your chance to dive into this rollicking good yarn that is more than just a sports story; it is a thrilling adventure that cements Johnny Day's place in Australia’s remarkable sporting history. Order your copy today for fast and reliable delivery to your doorstep.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780143786450
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2022
Publisher: Penguin Australia Pty Ltd
Pages: 320
Description:
At the age of ten, and just short of four feet tall, a boy from Ballarat named Johnny Day became Australia's first international sporting hero. Against adult competition he wooed crowds across continents as the World Champion in pedestrianism, the sporting craze of the day.
A few years later, in 1870, he won the Melbourne Cup on a horse aptly called Nimblefoot, this time impressing British royalty and Melbourne's high society. And then, still aged only fourteen, this already-famous athlete and jockey disappeared without a trace.
Robert Drewe picks up where history leaves off, re-imagining Johnny's life following his great Cup win. Celebrations that night land him in the company of Prince Alfred himself and some key Melbourne identities. But when Johnny becomes a reluctant witness to two murders in the town's most notorious brothel, he finds himself on the run again - this time from the law itself.
In fear of his life he heads west, assuming different identities to outsmart his pursuers. Yet all the while Johnny fears his luck will soon run out.
Johnny Day is a character that couldn't be invented, but in the masterful re-imagining of his life Robert Drewe brings us an adventure story, a coming-of-age classic, a man-hunt, a thriller - but most of all, a rollicking good yarn. And in doing so, he lays claim to Johnny Day's rightful place in Australia's illustrious sporting history.
As Johnny wins the prestigious Melbourne Cup on a horse named Nimblefoot, he finds fame among Melbourne's elite and even graces the presence of British royalty. But his newfound glory takes a dark turn when he becomes embroiled in a murder mystery, leading him to flee for his life. Set against the backdrop of historical events, this coming-of-age thriller weaves a narrative that is both exhilarating and poignant. Witness Johnny’s transformation as he navigates danger, identity changes, and the quest for survival.
Printed in 2022 by Penguin Australia Pty Ltd, this BRAND NEW novel ensures immaculate condition for collectors and readers alike. Don't miss your chance to dive into this rollicking good yarn that is more than just a sports story; it is a thrilling adventure that cements Johnny Day's place in Australia’s remarkable sporting history. Order your copy today for fast and reliable delivery to your doorstep.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780143786450
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2022
Publisher: Penguin Australia Pty Ltd
Pages: 320
Description:
At the age of ten, and just short of four feet tall, a boy from Ballarat named Johnny Day became Australia's first international sporting hero. Against adult competition he wooed crowds across continents as the World Champion in pedestrianism, the sporting craze of the day.
A few years later, in 1870, he won the Melbourne Cup on a horse aptly called Nimblefoot, this time impressing British royalty and Melbourne's high society. And then, still aged only fourteen, this already-famous athlete and jockey disappeared without a trace.
Robert Drewe picks up where history leaves off, re-imagining Johnny's life following his great Cup win. Celebrations that night land him in the company of Prince Alfred himself and some key Melbourne identities. But when Johnny becomes a reluctant witness to two murders in the town's most notorious brothel, he finds himself on the run again - this time from the law itself.
In fear of his life he heads west, assuming different identities to outsmart his pursuers. Yet all the while Johnny fears his luck will soon run out.
Johnny Day is a character that couldn't be invented, but in the masterful re-imagining of his life Robert Drewe brings us an adventure story, a coming-of-age classic, a man-hunt, a thriller - but most of all, a rollicking good yarn. And in doing so, he lays claim to Johnny Day's rightful place in Australia's illustrious sporting history.