First Twenty Years Of Australia - A History Founded On Official Documents
By James Bonwick
Published by Sampson, Low, Marston, Searle & Rivington: London, Melbourne etc 1882 1st
Edition
"The First Twenty Years of Australia by James Bonwick offers a comprehensive account of the founding and early development of the British colony in New South Wales between 1788 and 1808. Drawing from official government documents and correspondence, Bonwick details the challenges of establishing a penal settlement at Port Jackson, including the transportation of convicts, struggles with food shortages, administrative difficulties, and the efforts of early governors—especially Governor Arthur Phillip—to bring order and stability to a remote and unfamiliar land. The book emphasizes the harsh conditions endured by both convicts and soldiers, as well as the slow progress in establishing infrastructure, agriculture, and civil society.
Bonwick also discusses the early interactions between the colonists and the Indigenous peoples of the region. His 19th-century perspective reflects the attitudes of his time, often portraying Aboriginal Australians as fundamentally different and resistant to European settlement. While such views are now seen as outdated and biased, they illustrate how early colonial writers interpreted frontier conflict and cultural difference. Bonwick's work remains a valuable historical document, capturing how the British saw their role in Australia's foundation and how they recorded their experience of forging a colony in an unfamiliar environment."
General wear, scuffing, fading, rub through etc to covers and spine as shown. Includes complete foldout plate. Small inscription on title page. Pages are clean and very well presented. All pages are present and the book is complete in 256 pages. A nice copy in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
Size 19.5cm x 13.5cm x 2cm - 256 Pages
