Description

Title: The Felonry Of New South Wales
Author/Publisher: James Mudie / Angus & Robertson
Publication Year: 1965
Format: Hardcover with Dust Jacket

The Felonry Of New South Wales: Being Faithful Picture Of The Real Romance Of Life In Botany Bay. With Anecdotes Of Botany Bay Society

Synopsis

First published in 1837, James Mudie's 'The Felonry Of New South Wales' is a seminal, and often scathing, account of early colonial life in Australia. Mudie, a former magistrate and settler, penned this work after his return to England, offering a highly critical perspective on the administration, social structures, and the convict system of the nascent colony.

This reprint from 1965 brings back into circulation a significant historical document, providing a candid – and at times sensational – 'picture of the real romance of life in Botany Bay.' It delves into the daily lives, transgressions, and societal dynamics of both the free settlers and the penal population, enriched with a multitude of anecdotes and observations.

• An Eye-Witness Account of Convict Life: Mudie’s narrative offers a direct, albeit biased, window into the harsh realities and intricate workings of the convict system. He meticulously details the treatment of prisoners, the mechanisms of assignment, and the challenges faced by both the incarcerated and those tasked with their supervision.
• Colonial Society and Its Foibles: Beyond the 'felons,' Mudie casts a critical eye over the emerging social strata of New South Wales. His work is rich with commentary on the perceived moral decay, corruption, and social eccentricities of the free settlers and administrators, providing a fascinating, if controversial, portrayal of early colonial society.

As a vivid, albeit polemical, primary source, 'The Felonry Of New South Wales' remains an indispensable work for anyone seeking to understand the formative, often turbulent, years of Australia's penal colony. This 1965 edition offers a valuable opportunity to acquire a piece of essential Australiana, appealing to historians, collectors of colonial literature, and those fascinated by the origins of modern Australia.

Condition

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

Specifications