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Bligh in Australia : A new appraisal of William Bligh and the Rum Rebellion
242 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 5, 2016
Brilliant book! Added a perspective of some of our forefathers here in Australia that I want aware of. Well written and easy to follow even if you didn't have any knowledge of our history.
November 4, 2024
This book adds a vital piece to New South Wales' early colonial history. It reveals the egos and capitalists behind the new colony and Bligh's attempts to rein in their excesses. It's written as a chronological narrative and this makes it an accessible and quick read.
There is no question that Bligh was a polarising person throughout his life. The book makes certain observations about his 'difficult' character and its impact on his decision-making that are simply left hanging because they don't fit the pro-Bligh perspective.
Case in point: the mutiny on the Bounty. It is given a mere paragraph and dismissed as the insubordination of the Bounty's officers to what was standard practice of ship captains at the time. There is far more to it than that - officers do not mutiny over such things. Although the Admiralty initially vindicated Bligh, the Bounty mutiny planted a seed that Bligh was a man who could be mutinied against. Some analysis on whether the Bounty mutiny influenced the thinking of the rebels of the Rum Rebellion would have been an intriguing discussion.
I also think the book missed opportunities to more deeply contextualise the ideological conflict between Bligh and John Macarthur, the so-called 'top dog' of the colony at the time. There's a short paragraph stating the Rum Rebellion was not an American-style bid for independence but not any explanation of why not. This would also have been an interesting discussion.
To conclude, I think this book adds a missing piece to a puzzle that still needs more pieces.
There is no question that Bligh was a polarising person throughout his life. The book makes certain observations about his 'difficult' character and its impact on his decision-making that are simply left hanging because they don't fit the pro-Bligh perspective.
Case in point: the mutiny on the Bounty. It is given a mere paragraph and dismissed as the insubordination of the Bounty's officers to what was standard practice of ship captains at the time. There is far more to it than that - officers do not mutiny over such things. Although the Admiralty initially vindicated Bligh, the Bounty mutiny planted a seed that Bligh was a man who could be mutinied against. Some analysis on whether the Bounty mutiny influenced the thinking of the rebels of the Rum Rebellion would have been an intriguing discussion.
I also think the book missed opportunities to more deeply contextualise the ideological conflict between Bligh and John Macarthur, the so-called 'top dog' of the colony at the time. There's a short paragraph stating the Rum Rebellion was not an American-style bid for independence but not any explanation of why not. This would also have been an interesting discussion.
To conclude, I think this book adds a missing piece to a puzzle that still needs more pieces.
February 7, 2011
The thesis of the book is clear from the start. Bligh's actions in Australia were as instructed and as necessary. His time a governor of New South Wales unfairly tarnished by the many powerful and vested interests that existed in the colony, and the disinterest and misunderstanding from a far-off ruling power.
The success in ultimately proving the thesis is limited, because Earls-Davis has chosen to tell a story rather than write a history text. However, the story is engaging, well written, and is worth reading even for someone who has a limited interest in Australian history.
Also refreshing to read a modern treatment of Australian history that escapes the history wars. This is pure British colonial history, about honour, rank and position.
The success in ultimately proving the thesis is limited, because Earls-Davis has chosen to tell a story rather than write a history text. However, the story is engaging, well written, and is worth reading even for someone who has a limited interest in Australian history.
Also refreshing to read a modern treatment of Australian history that escapes the history wars. This is pure British colonial history, about honour, rank and position.
April 21, 2014
Couldn't put it down myself. Poor Bligh, just doing his job. And the villain of the story, John Macarthur!!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews