Black Jack Anderson was a real-life pirate who was, at one time, known as ‘the scourge of the Southern Ocean. He was the leader of a motley gang of escaped convicts, ticket-of-leave men and adventurers of all descriptions. For ten years, from 1825 to 1835, he lived on Middle Island, which is six nautical miles off the south coast of Western Australia. He and his fluctuating band of men regularly raided ships as they made their way, tentatively, through the treacherous rocky islands and narrow straights of the Recherche Archipelago.’ He had chosen Middle Island as his base because it’s only sheltered bay was well hidden from any approach from the sea, however, he obeyed the unwritten rule of the sea that, should anyone be in peril of their life he must give them the basic necessities. However, when Dorothea Newell and her party of survivors virtually washed up on his shore Anderson’s life would change forever.

This is an exciting story of a real historical figure from the era of sailing ships, uncharted oceans and rugged coastlines unexplored by Europeans. It is suitable for everyone interested in excitement, danger and surviving against the odds.