{"product_id":"playmaker-by-thomas-keneally-hardcover-1987-1789-sydney-cove-penal-colony-by-thomas-keneally","title":"Playmaker by Thomas Keneally (Hardcover, 1987) 1789 Sydney Cove Penal Colony by Thomas Keneally","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:'Georgia',serif;max-width:800px;margin:0 auto;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a1a;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;background:#004b23;color:#fff;font-size:14px;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;padding:10px 14px;border-radius:4px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003eFREE SHIPPING IN AUSTRALIA • Express Post option additional at checkout\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;margin-bottom:16px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:22px;margin:0 0 4px;color:#000;\"\u003ePlaymaker by Thomas Keneally (Hardcover, 1987) 1789 Sydney Cove Penal Colony\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-style:italic;font-size:15px;color:#444;margin:0 0 6px;\"\u003eBy Thomas Keneally\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1px;color:#004b23;margin:0;\"\u003e1987 • Hardcover • Hodder \u0026amp; Stoughton General Division\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:13px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;color:#004b23;border-bottom:2px solid #d4af37;padding-bottom:6px;margin:20px 0 10px;\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:#333;margin:0 0 6px;line-height:1.6;\"\u003eThe Playmaker is a novel based in Australia written by the Australian author Thomas Keneally. In 1789 in Sydney Cove, the remotest penal colony of the British Empire, a group of convicts and one of their captors unite to stage a play. Governor Arthur Phillip presides over the colony, where 1st Lt. Ralph Clark, sadistic Major Robert Ross (Royal Marines officer), and Midshipman Harry Brewer have a curious effect on the goings-on of the new Australian colony. As felons, perjurers, thieves, and whores rehearse, their playmaker, Ralph Clark, is derided by authority. He also becomes strangely seduced. For the play's power is mirrored in the rich, varied life of this primitive land, and, not least, in the convict and actress Mary Brenham. The play that they plan to stage is The Recruiting Officer, a 1706 play by the Irish writer George Farquhar, which follows the social and sexual exploits of two officers, the womanising Plume and the cowardly Brazen, in the town of Shrewsbury to recruit soldiers. Many arguments are made over naturalism vs. presentationalism in acting style, and in the merits of the theatre itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:13px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;color:#004b23;border-bottom:2px solid #d4af37;padding-bottom:6px;margin:20px 0 10px;\"\u003eSynopsis\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:#333;margin:0 0 12px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Playmaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor\/Publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thomas Keneally, Hodder \u0026amp; Stoughton General Division\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Year:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1987\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e 310-page Hardcover\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:#333;margin:0 0 10px;line-height:1.6;\"\u003eThomas Keneally's 1987 historical novel, *The Playmaker*, transports readers to the nascent British penal colony at Sydney Cove in 1789. This acclaimed work reimagines a pivotal and often harsh period of Australian history, focusing on an extraordinary cultural endeavour amidst the struggles of early settlement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:#333;margin:0 0 10px;line-height:1.6;\"\u003eAgainst the backdrop of the remotest outpost of the British Empire, the narrative centres on the ambitious undertaking of staging a theatrical production. This unique collaboration sees a group of convicts, alongside elements of their custodians, uniting to bring drama to the desolate shores of New South Wales, an act of cultural assertion and survival in challenging circumstances, with historical figures such as Governor Arthur Phillip presiding over the unfolding events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"font-size:14px;color:#333;line-height:1.6;margin:14px 0 10px;padding-left:20px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConvicts on Stage:\u003c\/strong\u003e The novel explores the fascinating premise of a theatre production enacted by the colony's inhabitants, examining the complex social dynamics and surprising alliances formed between the incarcerated and their overseers through the shared pursuit of art.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSydney Cove, 1789:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keneally vividly recreates the atmosphere of the First Fleet's arrival and the challenging early years of Australia's founding. The narrative provides insight into daily life, power struggles, and the human spirit within a penal settlement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Figures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Key historical figures, including Governor Arthur Phillip, 1st Lt. Ralph Clark, Major Robert Ross, and Midshipman Harry Brewer, are woven into the fictionalised account, offering a nuanced perspective on their roles and personal struggles within the nascent colony.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:#333;margin:0 0 6px;line-height:1.6;\"\u003eAs a first edition of a significant historical novel by the esteemed Australian author Thomas Keneally, *The Playmaker* holds considerable appeal for collectors of Australian literature and those with an interest in colonial history. Its exploration of identity, power, and the redemptive nature of art makes it a compelling and enduring work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:13px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;color:#004b23;border-bottom:2px solid #d4af37;padding-bottom:6px;margin:20px 0 10px;\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;margin:0;font-style:italic;line-height:1.6;\"\u003eThis item has been professionally inspected and is in Very Good condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:13px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;color:#004b23;border-bottom:2px solid #d4af37;padding-bottom:6px;margin:20px 0 10px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:4px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eHardcover\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eVery Good\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003ePublisher\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eHodder \u0026amp; Stoughton General Division\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eYear\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003e1987\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003ePages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003e310\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eType\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eNovel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eGenre\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eAntiquarian \u0026amp; Collectible\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eTopic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eLiterature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eSigned\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eEdition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003e1st ed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eSubject\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eLiterature \u0026amp; Fiction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eVintage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eLanguage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eEx Libris\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eInscribed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eBook Title\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eThe Playmaker\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eItem Width\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003e140mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eItem Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003e220mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eItem Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003e500 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003ePersonalised\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eYear Printed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003e1987\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eCustom Bundle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eNarrative Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eFiction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eIntended Audience\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eAdults\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;color:#666;font-size:14px;width:40%;\"\u003eOriginal\/Facsimile\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0f0f0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eOriginal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:13px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;color:#004b23;border-bottom:2px solid #d4af37;padding-bottom:6px;margin:20px 0 10px;\"\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"font-size:13px;color:#333;line-height:1.6;margin:0;padding-left:20px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:4px;\"\u003eWe ship every business day, on occasion we may post the same day but expect it to be shipped on the next business day with tracking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:4px;\"\u003eWe offer Express Post \u0026amp; International Shipping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:4px;\"\u003eWhere an item exceeds Australia Post weights or dimensions, we utilise a courier. In this case we are unable to ship to PO Boxes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:4px;\"\u003eItems are packed in padded bubble mailers, with exception of thin paperbacks or magazines or DVDs that are sent in cardboard envelopes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge book sets are carefully packaged in boxes with packaging material to eliminate movement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:13px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;color:#004b23;border-bottom:2px solid #d4af37;padding-bottom:6px;margin:20px 0 10px;\"\u003eReturn Policy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#333;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 6px;\"\u003eWe are here to help! If you are unhappy with your purchase or you feel we've made a mistake, contact us and we are more than happy to assist to make your experience a positive one!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#333;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\"\u003eIf we still can't solve the issue and you need to return your item, you can! Contact us within 30 days of the purchase for returns. Thereafter, we do not accept returns. Shipping costs are at the buyers expense.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:13px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;color:#004b23;border-bottom:2px solid #d4af37;padding-bottom:6px;margin:20px 0 10px;\"\u003eEnvironmental Impact\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#333;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 6px;\"\u003eWe are one of the few sellers that package our items with not only great care but environmental impact consideration. We're committed to a carbon-neutral parcel delivery through Australia Post which provides positive environmental and social impacts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#333;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 4px;\"\u003eWe utilise the following packaging:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"font-size:13px;color:#333;line-height:1.6;margin:0;padding-left:20px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:4px;\"\u003eLandfill-biodegradable bundling wrap to quickly secure and bundle items to avoid damage during transit. It can be recycled or disposed of in the general rubbish bin. Once disposed to landfill biodegradation is accelerated approximately 90+% faster than conventional bundling wrap, producing organic matter (a natural fertiliser) and no microplastics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:4px;\"\u003eOur plain padded bubble mailers are suitable for kerbside paper collection and recycling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom:4px;\"\u003eAll of our satchels are recyclable and made from 80% recycled content plastic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll of our envelopes can be recycled.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;background:#004b23;color:#fff;font-size:14px;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;padding:10px 14px;border-radius:4px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003eFREE SHIPPING IN AUSTRALIA • Express Post option additional at checkout\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;border-top:2px solid #d4af37;padding-top:10px;margin-top:20px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#004b23;margin:0;\"\u003eGatsby's\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:11px;color:#999;margin:4px 0 0;\"\u003eFremantle • Western Australia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"GATSBY'S","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52348210643255,"sku":"2374 M 0526","price":23.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/8162\/3863\/files\/57_239aad4f-e643-4699-ae3b-4c909582688a.png?v=1780606486","url":"https:\/\/gatsbysauction.com\/products\/playmaker-by-thomas-keneally-hardcover-1987-1789-sydney-cove-penal-colony-by-thomas-keneally","provider":"Gatsby's Auction","version":"1.0","type":"link"}