Shadow Over Tasmania
By Coultman Smith
Published by J. Walch & Sons Pty Ltd: Hobart 1958 12th Edition
"Shadow Over Tasmania by Coultman Smith is an engaging account of Tasmania's convict past, examining the transportation system, the development of penal settlements and the conditions experienced by those sent to Van Diemen's Land. Published in Hobart by J. Walch & Sons Pty Ltd., this June 1958 twelfth edition follows a succession of editions beginning in December 1941, demonstrating the work's sustained appeal to readers of Tasmanian history. Beneath its striking cover declaration, "The Whole Story of the Convicts", the book combines a broad historical narrative with detailed attention to particular settlements, buildings and episodes. It offers both an accessible introduction to the subject and an interesting example of how Tasmania's penal heritage was presented to the reading public in the mid-twentieth century.
The contents trace the background to transportation through early cases of exile, the First Fleet and the assignment system in New South Wales before turning to the establishment of settlements in Tasmania. Subjects include Bowen at Risdon, Collins's arrival, settlement in the north, women convicts, chain gangs, tickets-of-leave and Commissioner Bigge's visit. A substantial section on life aboard the transport ships considers food, equipment, medical supervision, discipline and pastimes, alongside plots, seizures and shipwrecks. Smith's approach explicitly questions some familiar depictions of convict suffering, with chapter headings challenging exaggerated hardships and supposed misconceptions. This interpretive stance is an important part of the book's character, making it valuable as a record of historical attitudes as well as a popular narrative of the transportation era.
Port Arthur occupies a prominent place, with detailed coverage of its establishment, administration, buildings and working life. The contents encompass the church, powder magazine, penitentiary, separate treatment prison, asylum, hospital, military barracks and Government Cottage, together with shipbuilding, pit-sawing, rations and general conditions. A dedicated quick index for visitors extends to Point Puer, the Isle of the Dead, the tramway, semaphore system and coal mines, connecting the historical account with places that readers could explore for themselves. A map of Tasmania, incorporating an inset of the Tasman and Forestier Peninsulas, helps locate the places discussed. The retained foreword to the first edition, written in 1941 by Tasmanian Premier Robert Cosgrove, commends the work's accessible treatment and its intended appeal to students, tourists and general readers.
This copy retains its distinctive illustrated paper covers, featuring bold red and black lettering above a red map of Tasmania. A particularly appealing personal detail is the handwritten title-page inscription recording that Marion Gray purchased the book as a souvenir at Port Arthur on Saturday, 26 November 1960, describing an enjoyable and interesting day's outing. The inscription connects the volume directly with the visitor experience for which its maps and quick-reference features were designed, giving it an individual history beyond publication. Wholly set up and printed in Australia by J. Walch & Sons at 130 Macquarie Street, Hobart, this is a characterful Tasmanian publication with appeal to collectors of convict history, Port Arthur memorabilia, vintage travel literature and Australian regional history.
"
General wear, light staining etc to covers and spine as shown. Lovely inscription from 1960. No loose pages. A nice clean copy in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
