David Hortle was born at Longford in Northern Tasmania. He completed his education to university entrance level, but went home to the family farms; fourth generation on one and fifth generation on the other. Marriage and four children followed.
When the farms became uneconomic, he sold out and moved to Queensland when he obtained the position of manager of a new wool buying enterprise. This was very successful, and he finally took over the ownership of the business. Upon retirement, he found that he was just as busy.
Hobbies include photography and writing. This novel was started in 1994, the original theme being the thin line between civilisation and barbarity. This theme changed to the abuse of traditional power, to which it is related.
David Hortle has also self-published a booklet about the history of farming practices employed on Tasmanian farms over the last one hundred years.