Discover the captivating maritime history of Australia’s most significant waterway in The Mosquito Fleet. Spanning two centuries of settlement from 1794 to 1994, this definitive work chronicles the rise and decline of the Hawkesbury River trade. Jean Purtell provides a fascinating insight into a world where riverboats were the life-blood of the infant colony, carrying essential supplies and connecting isolated communities.
Beyond the economics of trade, this book uncovers the colourful reality of life on the Hawkesbury. Read about the vital role of the "mosquito fleet," the advent of steamship travel, waterborne shops, floating parsonages, and the intense struggle against floods and droughts. Extensively researched using rare newspaper archives and first-hand interviews with former crew members, the narrative is enriched by hundreds of vessel records and a comprehensive index. Whether you are a maritime enthusiast, a local historian, or a family researcher, this compelling account offers an evocative journey into the past, documenting the trials, triumphs, and enduring spirit of those who worked and lived along this iconic river system.
Used (good, see images, minor cover wear and handwritten dedication) Softcover ISBN 0646250418
