Roger McDonald — Mr. Darwin's Shooter
Vintage Books 1999 Paperback, 365pp. Based on the true story of Syms Covington, manservant to Charles Darwin on the famous voyage of the 'Beagle', this is novel of scientific discovery, religious faith, masters and servants, ambition and adventure, and the endless wonder of the natural world. In beset middle age, Covington awaits the arrival of the first copy of Darwin's 'The Origin of the Species' in Sydney's Watsons Bay. What part of his life might be in it? What truths may it contain?, (ISBN: 9780091836702). Good.