Description

Title: Unwilling Emigrants: Letters Of Convict's Wife
Author/Publisher: Alexandra Hasluck, Fremantle Press
Publication Year: 2002
Format: 304-page Revised Edition Trade Paperback

Synopsis

Alexandra Hasluck's compelling non-fiction work, 'Unwilling Emigrants', delves into a poignant chapter of Australian history through the intimate correspondence of a convict's wife. This biographical and historical account offers a unique perspective on the challenging experience of emigration, not by choice, but by circumstance.

First published in 1959 and presented here in a revised edition, the book meticulously explores the social and personal dimensions of Australia's penal past. It provides invaluable insights into the lives of individuals swept up in the British transportation system, particularly focusing on the often-overlooked struggles of family members left behind or accompanying their 'unwilling emigrant' husbands.

• A Convict Wife's Unique Perspective: The book brings to light the personal narratives and emotional resilience of women whose lives were irrevocably altered by their husbands' convictions and subsequent transportation. It offers a rare glimpse into their fears, hopes, and daily tribulations.
• Life in Colonial Australia: Through these letters, readers gain an understanding of the conditions and challenges faced by early settlers and convict families in colonial Australia. It illuminates the social structures, daily routines, and economic hardships of the era.
• Historical Context of Transportation: Hasluck's work places these personal stories within the broader historical framework of the British penal system. It examines the intricacies of forced migration and its profound impact on individuals and the nascent Australian society.
• Social History and Penology: Beyond individual stories, the book contributes significantly to the fields of social science and penology, offering a human-centred exploration of justice, punishment, and the subsequent efforts to build new lives in a foreign land.

This revised edition of 'Unwilling Emigrants' remains a vital contribution to Australian history, offering a deeply human and empathetic lens through which to view the convict era. It will appeal to readers with an interest in social history, women's studies, and the enduring legacies of Australia's foundational past.

Condition

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

Specifications