Australia's Birthstain

The startling legacy of the convict era

Nonfiction, History, Australia & Oceania
Cover of the book Australia's Birthstain by Babette Smith, Allen & Unwin
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Babette Smith ISBN: 9781741768671
Publisher: Allen & Unwin Publication: April 1, 2009
Imprint: Allen & Unwin Language: English
Author: Babette Smith
ISBN: 9781741768671
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication: April 1, 2009
Imprint: Allen & Unwin
Language: English

Why is it that Australians are still misled by myths about their convict heritage? Why are so many family historians surprised to find a convict ancestor in their family trees? Why did an entire society collude to cover up its past?

Babette Smith traces the stories of hundreds of convicts over the 80 years of convict transportation to Australia. Putting a human face on the convicts' experience, she paints a rich picture of their crimes in Britain and their lives in the colonies. We know about Port Arthur, Norfolk Island, chaingangs and floggings, but this was far from the experience of most. In fact, most convicts became good citizens and the backbone of the new nation. So why did we need to hide them away?

Australia's Birthstain rewrites the story of Australia's convict foundations, revealing the involvement of British politicians and clergy in creating a birthstain that reached far beyond convict crimes. Its startling conclusion offers a fresh perspective on our past.

'Babette Smith's arguments will be hotly debated, but there is no doubting the fascination or drama of this study of the stain we pretend is not there.' - Thomas Keneally, Booker prize winning novelist and author of The Commonwealth of Thieves

'Smith shows how the shame about Australia's convict origins . continues to influence the way we view our history . an important book.' - David Day in The Age

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Why is it that Australians are still misled by myths about their convict heritage? Why are so many family historians surprised to find a convict ancestor in their family trees? Why did an entire society collude to cover up its past?

Babette Smith traces the stories of hundreds of convicts over the 80 years of convict transportation to Australia. Putting a human face on the convicts' experience, she paints a rich picture of their crimes in Britain and their lives in the colonies. We know about Port Arthur, Norfolk Island, chaingangs and floggings, but this was far from the experience of most. In fact, most convicts became good citizens and the backbone of the new nation. So why did we need to hide them away?

Australia's Birthstain rewrites the story of Australia's convict foundations, revealing the involvement of British politicians and clergy in creating a birthstain that reached far beyond convict crimes. Its startling conclusion offers a fresh perspective on our past.

'Babette Smith's arguments will be hotly debated, but there is no doubting the fascination or drama of this study of the stain we pretend is not there.' - Thomas Keneally, Booker prize winning novelist and author of The Commonwealth of Thieves

'Smith shows how the shame about Australia's convict origins . continues to influence the way we view our history . an important book.' - David Day in The Age

More books from Allen & Unwin

Cover of the book Rule No. 5: No Sex On The Bus. Confessions Of A Tour Leader by Babette Smith
Cover of the book Heart And Craft by Babette Smith
Cover of the book Norfolk by Babette Smith
Cover of the book Handmade Style: Quilt by Babette Smith
Cover of the book Left For Dead by Babette Smith
Cover of the book Cooking with the World's Best by Babette Smith
Cover of the book Buddhism for Parents On the Go by Babette Smith
Cover of the book The Australian Book of Great Trials by Babette Smith
Cover of the book Evan's Gallipoli by Babette Smith
Cover of the book Super Green Simple and Lean by Babette Smith
Cover of the book Icebound in Antarctica by Babette Smith
Cover of the book The Passion of Politics by Babette Smith
Cover of the book Feminine/Masculine and Representation by Babette Smith
Cover of the book The Path of Infinite Sorrow by Babette Smith
Cover of the book Salt and Blood by Babette Smith
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy