The Commonwealth Of Thieves

Explore the gripping historical narrative of 'The Commonwealth of Thieves' by celebrated author Tom Keneally. This meticulously researched book dives deep into the complexities and challenges faced during the first four years of white settlement in Australia, starting in 1787. Delve into the lives of the unwanted citizens banished from Britain - uneducated petty thieves, streetwalkers, and dashing highwaymen - as they make the treacherous journey on convict ships to the remote shores of Botany Bay. This compelling tale captures the essence of their audacious social experiment, marked by hunger, hardship, and resilience.

Witness a vivid portrayal of the dramatic encounters between the European settlers and the indigenous inhabitants, who regarded the newcomers as ghosts intruding upon their sacred land. The narrative unfolds in the rich Keneally style, revealing the intense and often tragic clashes that arose from this collision of civilisations. From famine and drought to daring escapes and floggings, the evolution of Sydney from an improbable settlement to a thriving metropolis is captured within the 528 pages of this B-format paperback.

Highly acclaimed, 'The Commonwealth of Thieves' showcases Keneally's talent for storytelling and his dedication to historical accuracy, making it an essential read for history enthusiasts and those fascinated by Australian identity. Experience the unforgettable journey of a nation in its infancy and understand the struggles of its early people. Enjoy FREE shipping on this remarkable book, though combined shipping with other products is not available. Please allow up to 10 days for shipping.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780143790839
Format: B-format paperback
Year: 2018
Publisher: Penguin Australia Pty Ltd
Pages: 528


Description:
A brilliant recreation of the first four years of white settlement in Australia by Booker Prize-winning author Tom Keneally.

In 1787, Britain banished its unwanted citizens - uneducated petty thieves, streetwalkers, orphan chimneysweeps and dashing highwaymen - to the fringes of the known world. So remote was Botany Bay - the destination to which the overcrowded, disease-ridden convict ships were bound - that only one European expedition had ever before anchored there.

Yet the rejects of Britain, accompanied only by a flimsy complement of soldiers, marines and officers, were expected to start a settlement and flourish. It was an audacious social experiment, unparalleled before or since.

To the indigenous inhabitants, the white men came as ghosts through cracks in the cosmos, rudely seizing the bounty of land and sea. On the swampy shores of Botany Bay, and by the sandstone coves of Sydney Harbour, the clash of civilisations was ineviteable, intense and often tragic. From this improbable beginning, through famine, drought, escapes and floggings, the glory of modern Sydney was born. Britain's penal experiment succeeded against all odds.

Impeccably researched and told in the inimitable Keneally style, The Commonwealth of Thieves is the compelling tale of a nation's beginning, its unforgettable people and their quest for identity.

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.