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Robbery Under Arms · Chapter

Preface to New Edition explained

Rolf Boldrewood dedicates the novel to his old comrade R.

What happens

Rolf Boldrewood dedicates the novel to his old comrade R. Murray Smith, thanks the proprietors of the Sydney Mail for their support, and asserts the truthfulness of the narrative, based on official records and his lifelong residence in Australia.

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

SetupEscalationClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Dick’s confron…

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Key passages

  • “I dedicate this 'ower true tale' of the wilder aspects of Australian life to my old comrade R. Murray Smith...”

    The author dedicates this story, which he claims is based on real events, to his friend R. Murray Smith.

    Boldrewood emphasizes the factual basis of the novel.

  • “Much of the narrative is literally true, as can be verified by official records.”

    A large part of the story is factual and can be confirmed by official documents.

    The author insists on the historical accuracy of the tale.

Robbery Under Arms — Preface to New Edition Explained