1788
Book 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,…
Why read it?
1 author picked 1788 as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
David Hill’s research is incredible and results in a mind-blowing account of how not only convicts, but their guards and sailors, would colonise Australia, enduring the most brutal hardships. The transportation is described, and it is a miracle that anyone ever reached the destination in the leaky, unseaworthy ships. The enterprise was poorly-planned and underfunded, resulting in appalling suffering.
With such a shocking start, it is a wonder that Australia ever developed into the wonderful, successful country that it is now.
From Victoria's list on Australia (to read before you visit).
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