Based on the experiences of Trollope's son Frederic, Harry Heathcote of Gangoil deals with the problems facing a young sheepfarmer, or `squatter', in outback Australia. Using the conventions of the Christmas story, established by Dickens in the late 1840s, the novel shows Harry Heathcote thwarting the envious ex-convict neighbours who harbour his disgruntled former employees and who attempt to set fire to his pastures. Trollope draws heavily on his knowledge of the social and economic conditions of bush life acquired during a year-long visit to Australia in 1871-2. He also indulges in a little wishful thinking on his son's behalf, allowing the spirit of Christmas to produce solutions to some of Harry Heathcote's most pressing problems which Fred Trollope would hardly have dared dream of, let alone seriously expect. This book is intended for general readers, Trollope fans, Australian Trollope fans in particular, students of Victorian or 19th century fiction or history.