Fast as the Wind by Nat Gould

Nathaniel Gould was born in Manchester, Lancashire, to tea merchant Nathaniel Gould and Mary Wright, both of Derbyshire yeomen descent. Raised indulgently and well-educated, Gould first attempted his father's tea trade before trying his hand at farming in Bradbourne, though with little success. In 1877, he secured a position at the Newark Advertiser, gaining valuable press experience. Restless, he left England in 1884 for Australia, where he reported for the Brisbane Telegraph and later became a horse-racing editor for Referee in Sydney.

In Australia, Gould’s literary journey began. His debut novel With the Tide appeared as a serial in Referee before being published in England as The Double Event (1891). Its success was remarkable, selling over 100,000 copies in a decade. Gould’s novels, particularly popular for their vivid horse-racing scenes, captivated readers with their authenticity and storytelling.

Known for his modesty, Gould advised aspiring writers to write from life and nature, focusing on familiar characters and settings. His straightforward, engaging style made him a favorite among readers, solidifying his legacy in Australian and British literature.