HarperHighlights December

By Sea & Stars: The Story of the First Fleet TR E NT DA LTON

Ed Sheeran S E AN SM I TH

Dazzling, poetic and vivid storytelling from one of Australia’s greatest writers, which tells the bloody, brutal and enthralling story of the epic journey of the First Fleet Originally published as a multi-part serial in The Australian newspaper, By Sea and Stars tells the story of the epic voyage that led to the founding of our nation, as told from the point of view of the people who took part — willingly or unwillingly. Drawing from historical sources of the time, including letters and journals, Trent Dalton brings this epic voyage, and the people who went on it, to vivid life.

Ed Sheeran has conquered the musical world. Avoiding flashy showmanship and fleeting fashion, he has let his talent do the talking. His moving and uplifting songs forge a lasting connection with the millions of people around the world who love his music. Bestselling biographer Sean Smith has travelled to the quiet Suffolk backwater that Ed still calls home. Seeing the sunset over the famous ‘Castle on the Hill’ for himself, Smith

follows in the footsteps of Ed’s amazing journey from the boy who could barely hold a tune to the man who sold out Wembley Stadium.

This is not dry history of dates and names. These are gripping stories of real people, from the lowest to the highest. From terrified nine-year-old chimney sweep and convict John Hudson to conscientious Lieutenant Ralph Clark, pining after his wife and son, to the brave and determined Captain General Arthur Phillip, the brightest star of the British Navy: these are the people who made the voyage, and these are their stories — of death, duty, glory, lust, violence, escape, mutiny — and a great southern land. Trent Dalton is a staff writer for the Weekend Australian Magazine and a former assistant editor of The Courier Mail . He’s a two-time winner of a Walkley Award for Excellence in Journalism, a four-time winner of a Kennedy Award for Excellence in NSW Journalism and a four-time winner of the national News Awards Features Journalist of the Year. His debut novel is the critically acclaimed and bestselling Boy Swallows Universe , which was published in mid-2018.

He tells the story of Ed’s remarkable mum and dad, who gave their son the courage and confidence to pursue his dream, the friends and mentors who taught and encouraged him, and the lovers who inspired his most famous songs. Ed Sheeran the book is a fascinating and revealing insight into Ed Sheeran the man … and his music. Sean Smith is the UK’s leading celebrity biographer and the author of six Sunday Times best sellers. His books about the most famous people of our times have been translated throughout the world. His subjects include George Michael, Adele, Kim Kardashian, Tom Jones, Robbie Williams, Kate Middleton, Kylie Minogue, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Aniston.

Non Fiction | December 2018

9781460757413 | Released: 16/11/18 NSH | 144pp | AU $24.99 NZ $27.99 Publicity contact: Alice.Wood@harpercollins.com.au

9780008267520 | e 9780008267551 | 16/11/18 TPB | 320pp | AU $29.99 NZ $35.00 Publicity contact: Eliza.Auld@harpercollins.com.au

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