Monday 21 January 2013

1835 by James Boyce


“Melbourne was not founded, like every other Australian capital city, by government-sanctioned settlement parties sent from London or Sydney, but instead by private adventurers from the notorious penal colony of Van Diemen’s Land.”

This multi-award winning non fiction work delves into the initial establishment of the city of Melbourne. Discussing particularly the impact on the indigenous population and the interactions with squatters and would be settlers. I was tempted to pick up a copy after watching the author accept his Age Book award at the opening of the Melbourne Writer's Festival last year.

The social and political climate makes for fascinating reading, whilst painting a sometimes grim portrait of the actions fundamental to the city’s foundation.

A measured and interesting look into a fascinating period of history. 4 out of 5.

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