About this Event
The definitive convict collection.
Australia's convict past is alive around us, and bestselling author Jim Haynes has brought together an unforgettable cast of rogues, rebels, survivors and visionaries from this fascinating era. Spanning the years of transportation from the First Fleet to its abolition, this rich and lively collection reveals the human drama behind the founding of the nation: daring escapes, remarkable reinventions, brutal punishments, incredible resilience and lives shaped by both hardship and opportunity.
The Big Book of Convict Stories is packed with famous names and forgotten figures alike: bushrangers, pirates, swindlers, settlers, women who defied impossible circumstances, and men whose fortunes rose and fell in spectacular fashion. Haynes explores why transportation began, how the convict system worked and what life was really like in the penal settlements, told through the lives of the extraordinary men and women of the colonies.
Warm, witty and deeply researched, these tales illuminate the complexity of colonial Australia and those whose struggles, crimes, courage and ingenuity helped shape the nation.
'In a year when we could all use a different perspective Jim Haynes came to the rescue with his latest sojourn into history ... a cast of colourful characters.' Spectator on Heroes, Rebels and Radicals of Convict Australia
About the author
Jim Haynes OAM is one of Australia's most prolific and successful authors. Before becoming a professional entertainer, song writer and verse writer in 1988, Jim taught writing, literature, history and drama in schools and universities from outback New South Wales to Britain and back again. In 2016, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for 'services to the performing arts as an entertainer, author, broadcaster and historian'
Copies of the book will be available for purchase and be signed by the author.
For more information on any Members events please email [email protected]
Event venue & nearby stays
The Theatre, Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Sydney, Australia
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