Description

Title: Mrs. Fraser On The Fatal Shore
Author/Publisher: Michael Alexander (Michael Joseph)
Publication Year: 1971
Format: First Edition Hardcover with Dust Jacket

Biographical & historical information on the wreck of the Stirling Castle and the Fraser Massacre, notes camp life, plant foods, womens domestic tasks, food preparation, status of women, place names (Kabi) of south east Queensland; includes story of Wandi Bracefell; cannibalism; Appendix IV - Aboriginal methods of preparing dead bodies (taken from J.D. Lang); Appendix VI - The bunya bunya pine, use as food by Aborigines; includes facsimile title pages of contemporary accounts.

Synopsis

Michael Alexander's 1971 work, *Mrs. Fraser On The Fatal Shore*, delves into one of Australia's most enduring and controversial historical episodes: the 1836 wreck of the brig *Stirling Castle* and the subsequent ordeal of its captain's wife, Eliza Fraser, among Aboriginal people in Queensland.

Beyond recounting Fraser's personal story, which has often been sensationalised through history, Alexander meticulously explores the broader context. The book provides significant biographical and historical information, critically examining the 'Fraser Massacre' narrative and offering insights into the lives of the Kabi people of southeast Queensland, detailing aspects of their camp life, plant foods, women's domestic tasks, food preparation, and social status.

• The Fraser Ordeal & Its Aftermath: This foundational account reconstructs the dramatic events surrounding the shipwreck of the *Stirling Castle* and Eliza Fraser's survival, including her controversial claims and subsequent rescue, and its lasting impact on colonial perceptions.
• Indigenous Life & Cultural Detail: Alexander offers an ethnographic perspective on the Kabi people, detailing their daily existence, resource utilisation, the significance of plant foods, and the societal roles and status of women, providing a rare glimpse into Indigenous life during this period.
• Historical Controversies & Appendices: The book confronts the 'Fraser Massacre' narrative, alongside exploring themes such as cannibalism within its historical context. It includes fascinating appendices, such as J.D. Lang's notes on Aboriginal methods of preparing bodies and insights into the vital Bunya Bunya Pine.

As a First Edition, *Mrs. Fraser On The Fatal Shore* stands as a pivotal historical and ethnographic study of a contentious moment in Australian colonial history. Its detailed research and nuanced exploration of a significant subject make it a compelling acquisition for collectors of Australiana and those interested in Indigenous history.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Acceptable condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

Specifications