Great Convict Escapes in Colonial Australia

by Warwick Hirst

Six vividly told true stories of daring, desperate and dangerous escape attempts by colonial era convicts. Just how did Mary Bryant make it from Sydney to Timor in an open boat? And how did the murderous cannibal Alexander Pearce managed to escape not once, but twice, and with what dire consequences?

Based on original documents and accounts, this book is a story of human endeavour and resourcefulness—and those who’ll fight for their liberty no matter the cost. First published in 1999; this revised edition was published in 2003.

Warwick Hirst is an archivist who has also worked as the Mitchell Library’s Curator of Manuscripts, and writer of narrative non-fiction. His books include My Dear, Dear Betsy (1993), Great Convict Escapes in Colonial Australia (1999; 2003), The Man Who Stole the Cyprus (2008) and most recently, Wreck (2015).

208 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Dave Ives · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend let me borrow the book, told me to read one story. Well, after reading the one story (where convicts in the wilderness of Tasmania resort to cannibalism), I kept reading and the stories kept on 'entertaining.' Crazy, mixed up, adventures that seem 'unbelievable'; would never fly if you came out with them and tried to sell it as 'fiction.' 'No way! Could never happen in real life! Impossible!' But, the author weaves these stories masterfully and backs them up with first hand accounts, newspaper articles, official documents and other proof that these adventures 'ain't no fiction!'

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you were picking up this book wanting a thrilling account of convict era escapes, you'd probably be disappointed.

But if you were reading this book because you wanted a deep understanding of escapes, derived from a well-research source, then it is a fabulously detailed book of great events in Australian convict history. For those into history as much as stories.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

good history, remarkable men and some women managed some great escapes from colonial australia

[Ruth Bonetti · Rating 2 out of 5]

I confess I didn't read this cover to cover as it's not accessible. Several times I went to return this to the library then looked at the titles of chapters and thought "Oh I should read that" but even my interest in the topics couldn't sustain me through the book.