Book Description
Most know the story of Australia’s First Fleet. But who were those convicts, sailors, marines and administrators who travelled to Botany Bay in 1787? And who orchestrated this ambitious expedition? In his meticulously researched new book, John Gardiner pulls back the curtain on the world from which the First Fleet emerged.Delving into English newspapers, official reports, and government documents from the era, Gardiner vividly captures the squalor of London’s slums, the rotting hulks on the Thames where prisoners languished, and the hardscrabble lives of those who would people New South Wales. We meet real-life figures like Prime Minister William Pitt, Home Secretary Lord Sydney, and the Fleet’s commander, Captain Arthur Phillip. And we discover a society rife with corruption, violence, and despair.Before the First Fleet to Australia paints an unflinching portrait of late 18th century England in all its vulgarity and cruelty. Gardiner’s fearless account confronts historical truths often glossed over about the First Fleet’s origins. Was this ragged band of convicts a collection of pathetic vagabonds or part of a strategically calculated colonial enterprise? Readers can decide for themselves in this absorbing and revelatory narrative history.
John Gardiner has enjoyed a lifetime of travel and adventure. He has worked as a journalist and media adviser for more than 40 years, now dabbling as an author and screen writer. His book A Hitchhiker’s Triptych sets out the genesis of his wandering life. It explores in detail six months of hitchhiking through England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland during the early years of the 1970s. That journey set the scene for more than five decades of adventure across the globe.
John’s life has been shaped by the journey he so brilliantly, and simply, outlines in his first major work, A Hitchhiker’s Triptych. It is a book that will appeal to all ages. To everyone with a yearning for adventure, an open mind, and a desire to learn.
John, as well as being a writer, has been a committed surfer all his life. He currently lives in the pretty seaside village of Pottsville, in northern New South Wales, in Australia. He tells us he will never lose his love of the ocean.
“Life is special. I am surrounded by love. Yet that insistent urge to explore is strong within. All travellers will know what I’m talking about. Even now, the call of the road remains ever so strong.”
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6 reviews
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Very interesting read here from John Gardiner. John has researched extensively so don't think this is just historical fiction. John has really captured the atmosphere of the times, and woven several stories together to give a great read. Discover the real reasons why England sent convicts to Australia.
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Stunning book. Could not put it down once I started reading this amazing adventure. How rough and tumble the lives of these people were. This book takes you right back into such turbulent times. The British Class System. We complain about things now . . . . but goodness me. There was no hope for ordinary folk back in the day. Well done this author. More please!!!!!!
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This book is a good screen play for a movie.
True accounts of history fictionalised. Based on truth and a lot of research has gone into the making of this book. And all I can see is a terrific movie being made. The wide range of diverse characters, based on true history already fictionalised.
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I think the people who came over to Australia on the First Fleet were better off than if they'd stayed on in England. I thought the convicts sent out to New South Wales remained in chains and were treated terribly, for years and years. Apparently not. So many of the First Fleeters went on to establish strong, positive lives in their new land. There is a Fellowship of First Fleeters in Australia. Descendents of people who came out on the First Fleet. It would be interesting to hear what they think of this new book. I certainly enjoyed the book. As cringeworthy as some of it is. Particularly the first chapters. Horrible stuff. Yet I did learn a lot. Quite a good read.
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A good solid read. I really enjoyed this book. Nothing too sophisticated. It takes us into the prisons and the terrible convict ships anchored on the Thames pulling no punches on the disgusting conditions. Men and women, mostly from England's lower class, confined in nightmare conditions. Some eventually made their way to Australia on the First Fleet. A really well researched book on these disturbing times.
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Good book. Who knew Arthur Phillip was a spy for England? Excellent research. And the stories throughout this book are special. My favourite character is Johnny Tazler. And I wouldn't want to run into Charlie Zen in a dark alley late at night! This is a light read. Easy enough to relax, enjoy and drift away into another time.
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