Convict Colony: The remarkable story of the fledgling settlement that survived against the odds

Allen & Unwin, Australia, 2019. Softcover. Near Fine. AUSTRALIANAThe British plan to settle Australia was a high-risk venture. We now take it for granted that the first colony was the basis of one of the most successful nations in the world today. But in truth, the New World of the 18th century was dotted with failed colonies, and New South Wales nearly joined them. The motley crew of unruly marines and bedraggled convicts who arrived at Botany Bay in 1788 in leaky boats nearly starved to death. They could easily have been murdered by hostile locals, been overwhelmed by an attack from French or Spanish expeditions, or brought undone by the Castle Hill uprising of 1804. Yet through fortunate decisions, a few remarkably good leaders, and most of all good luck, Sydney survived and thrived. Bestselling historian David Hill tells the story of the first three decades of Britain's earliest colony in Australia in a fresh and compelling way. xi, 356 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some colour), maps, portraits ; 24 cm #060424 Frontier and pioneer life -- Australia Penal colonies -- History -- Australia Aboriginal Australians -- History Sydney (N.S.W.) -- Colonization -- History Sydney (N.S.W.) -- History -- 1788-1851 Australia -- History -- 1788-1851 Australia -- History -- 1788-1900 Australia -- Discovery and exploration Australian Elizabeth's Bookshops have been one of Australia's premier independent book dealers since 1973. Elizabeth's family-owned business operates four branches in Perth CBD, Fremantle (WA), and Newtown (NSW). All orders are dispatched within 24 hours from our Fremantle Warehouse. All items can be viewed at Elizabeth's Bookshop Warehouse, 23 Queen Victoria Street\, Fremantle WA. Softcover Near Fine