Scholarly Scoundrel

This book is the story of an unlikely character who eventually found his rightful place in history following many detours and earlier failed attempts. I loved it for its detailed focus on the “underdog”. Laurence Hynes Halloran developed into Australia's educational leader in convict times (18th century), despite his minimal preparation for the role.

I found Jan Worthington’s biography very well-researched and richly illustrated. It paints Halloran as a victim of his times. His career didn’t start off well. In his native England, he was jailed for knifing a fellow sailor in the British navy; he was forced to flee… show more.