1788: The Brutal Truth of the First Fleet - Softcover

Hill, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 174166800X ISBN 13: 9781741668001

Publisher: William Heinemann Australia, 2009

Synopsis

Never before or since has there been an experiment quite as bold as this. Set against the backdrop of Georgian England with its peculiar mix of elegance, prosperity, progress and squalor, the story of the First Fleet is one of courage, short-sightedness, tragedy but above all of extraordinary resilience. It is also, of course, the story of the very first European Australians, reluctant pioneers who travelled into the unknown - the vast majority against their will - in order to form a colony by order of the King's government. Separated from loved ones and travelling in cramped conditions for the months-long journey to Botany Bay, they suffered the most unbearable hardship on arrival on Australian land, where a near-famine dictated that rations be cut to the bone. But why was the settlement of New South Wales proposed in the first place? Who were the main players in a story that changed the world and ultimately forged the Australian nation? How did the initial skirmishes with the indigenous population break out and how did the relationship turn sour so quickly? Using diaries, letters and official records, David Hill artfully reconstructs the experiences of these famous and infamous men and women of history, combining narrative skill with an eye for detail and an exceptional empathy with the people of the past.

About this title

Product Description:

Set against the backdrop of Georgian England with its peculiar mix of elegance, prosperity, progress, and squalor, the story of the First Fleet is one of courage, shortsightedness, tragedy, but above all, extraordinary resilience. Separated from loved ones and traveling in cramped conditions for the months-long journey to Botany Bay, the first European Australians suffered the most unbearable hardship upon arrival on Australian land, where a near famine dictated that rations be cut to the bone. Questions such as "Why was the settlement of New South Wales proposed in the first place? "and "Who were the main players in a story that changed the world and ultimately forged the Australian nation?" are answered using diaries, letters, and official records. Artfully reconstructing the experiences of these famous and infamous men and women of history, this book combines narrative skill with an eye for detail and an exceptional empathy with the people of the past.

Review:

"Brings to life the events and the major characters of this extraordinary journey." --"Sydney Morning Herald"

"A must for your bookshelf . . . the best book I have read all year." --"News Mail"

About this edition

• Publisher: William Heinemann Australia
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 174166800X
• ISBN 13: 9781741668001
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 400