Description

Title: The Fatal Shore: A History of the Transportation of Convicts to Australia, 1787-1868
Author/Publisher: Robert Hughes (HarperCollins)
Publication Year: 1987
Format: xvi, 688-page Illustrated Hardcover with Dust Jacket

Synopsys: The Fatal Shore: A History of the Transportation of Convicts to Australia, 1787-1868', authored by Robert Hughes, is a comprehensive exploration of the repercussions of Britain's penal transportation system. In this riveting account, Hughes delves into the brutal realities of colonial Australia, recounting the experiences of convicts sent to this hostile, remote land as a form of punishment. The narrative traverses through the establishment of colonization, socio-economic dynamics, aboriginal displacement, and the ultimate cessation of transportation in 1868. Through vivid character portraits and anecdotes, Hughes adds a human touch to this historical account, creating a poignant narrative on a grim chapter of British colonial history.

Synopsis

Robert Hughes's monumental work, *The Fatal Shore*, stands as the definitive account of Australia's founding as a vast penal colony. Published in 1987, this meticulously researched history plunges into the brutal reality of Britain's transportation of convicts to Australia from 1787 to 1868, a period that fundamentally shaped the continent's identity.

Hughes, an acclaimed art critic and historian, brings his incisive intellect and powerful prose to explore the political motivations, the harrowing voyages, and the unyielding conditions faced by the hundreds of thousands exiled to this 'fatal shore'. It is a deeply human story, unflinching in its depiction of suffering, resilience, and the birth of a nation from a crucible of punishment.

• The Genesis of Penal Transportation: This section meticulously details the socio-political pressures in 18th-century Britain that led to the establishment of distant penal settlements. Hughes explores the evolution of the transportation system, its legal frameworks, and the vision — and often delusion — of its architects.
• Life on the Fatal Shore: Through vivid narratives and extensive primary source material, the book reconstructs the daily lives of convicts. It covers their forced labour, the cruel discipline of the settlements, the struggle for survival, and the attempts by many to carve out a new existence in a harsh, unfamiliar land.
• Shaping a Nation: Hughes analyses the profound and lasting impact of the convict era on Australia's social fabric, economy, and national character. He examines how this unique origin story influenced the development of Australian society, its institutions, and its enduring myths.
• Richly Illustrated: Complementing the compelling narrative, the volume includes numerous illustrations, offering a visual journey into the landscapes, figures, and artefacts of this formative period of Australian history, enhancing the reader's understanding of the era.

As a highly acclaimed 1st Edition and a cornerstone of Australian historical literature, *The Fatal Shore* remains an essential acquisition for any serious collector or institution. Its blend of scholarly rigour and engaging storytelling ensures its enduring relevance and appeal.

Condition

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

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