He has written a new book called ‘Captain Cook’s Apprentice' and will be having a talk on it at the Goulburn Mulwaree Library on Wednesday, November 21 at 12.30pm.

The HMS Endeavour’s departure from England happened 250 years ago and to celebrate the anniversary, Mr Hill will discuss his book which depicts one of the greatest voyages of discovery ever made.

‘Captain Cook’s Apprentice’ drew inspiration from the single reference in John Cawte  Beaglehole’s book ‘Life of Captain Cook’ to a young fellow, Isaac Manley.

Isaac Manley was only 13-years-old when they started their voyage in August 1768 and rose to become an admiral, lived to be 82 and was the last survivor of the Endeavour crew.

Mr Hill tells the story of the landmark voyage by using the perspective of the young eager cabin boy.

Besides describing the major discoveries made during the voyage, the 76-year-old weaves through his story, the many words, animals and ideas that entered the English language and consciousness for the first time due to the Endeavour.

Apart from being an author, Mr Hill lives in Canberra where he runs a successful antique dealership.

Before he was a full-time author, the Melbourne born was a political journalist at Parliament House, where he witnessed Gough Whitlam’s dismissal in 1975.

He was also a TV journalist and a speech-writer to Governor-General Bill Hayden,  who visited Gallipoli with him for the 80th anniversary commemoration.

Some of his other books are 'Birdsong’, ‘The Burnt Stick’, ‘Spindrift’, ‘Soldier Boy’ and ‘Forbidden’.

In research for his latest book, Mr Hill went on an eight day voyage from Melbourne to Sydney as a supernumerary on board the Endeavour replica.

He also looked into historical texts and the archives of the National Library of Australia, including Cook’s Endeavour journal.

After all that, he managed to brings to life this landmark voyage with warmth, insight and vivid detail.

Copies of ‘Captain Cook’s Apprentice’ cost $33 and can be bought after the event.

The session is free, but bookings are essential.

Reserve your spot online at https://www.trybooking.com/XPBJ, in person at the library, or by calling 4823 4435.

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