Batavia

Discover the gripping true story of the Batavia, a tale that intertwines adventure, betrayal, and survival. In ‘The Shipwreck of the Batavia’, Peter FitzSimons explores one of Australia's most remarkable historical events that changed the course of colonization. This trade paperback, published by Random House Australia in 2012, spans 512 pages filled with drama and intrigue. Set in 1629, the narrative follows the ill-fated voyage of the Batavia, the flagship of the Dutch East India Company, laden with immense treasure destined for the East Indies. As the ship suffers a catastrophic wreck along the coast of Western Australia, the gripping saga unfolds. Commandeer Pelsaert's desperate quest for rescue clashes with the chaotic rise of mutiny led by his second-in-command, Jeronimus Cornelisz. The book intricately depicts themes of good vs. evil, survival strategies, and the psychological turmoil experienced by castaways. With a powerful lens on early colonialism and human nature, this book is a thrilling read for history enthusiasts and fans of maritime adventure. Enjoy FREE shipping on your purchase, but please note that combined shipping is not available for this item. Allow up to 10 days for delivery and immerse yourself in a dramatic tale of the sea, betrayal, and ultimate survival with Peter FitzSimons’ masterpiece.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781864711349
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2012
Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE AUSTRALIA
Pages: 512


Description:
Batavia is the greatest story in Australia's history and history comes to life with Peter Fitzsimons.

The Shipwreck of the Batavia combines in just the one tale the birth of the world's first corporation, the brutality of colonisation, the battle of good vs evil, the derring-do of sea-faring adventure, mutiny, ship-wreck, love, lust, blood-lust, petty fascist dictatorship, criminality, a reign of terror, murders most foul, sexual slavery, natural nobility, survival, retribution, rescue, first contact with native peoples and so much more.

Described by author Peter FitzSimons as "a true Adults Only version of Lord of the Flies, meeting Nightmare on Elm Street," the story is set in 1629, when the pride of the Dutch East India Company, the Batavia, is on its maiden voyage en route from Amsterdam to the Dutch East Indies, laden down with the greatest treasure to leave Holland. The magnificent ship is already boiling over with a mutinous plot that is just about to break into the open when, just off the coast of Western Australia, it strikes an unseen reef in the middle of the night.

While Commandeur Francisco Pelsaert decides to take the long-boat across 2000 miles of open sea for help, his second-in-command Jeronimus Cornelisz takes over, quickly deciding that 250 people on a small island is unwieldy for the small number of supplies they have.

This product has FREE shipping however combined shipping for other products is not available with this item. Please allow up to 10 days for shipping.