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James Boyce's *Van Diemen's Land* examines the paradox of establishing a penal colony in a land of surprising abundance. This history challenges the conventional narrative of early Australian settlement as a struggle against a harsh landscape, arguing that Tasmania's mild climate and plentiful resources significantly altered the convict experience.
The book explores the contrast between the brutal penal system and the relative ease with which convicts could obtain food and shelter, highlighting the tensions this created within the colony. Boyce reconsiders early Tasmanian history and its wider implications for the Australian nation, suggesting that the island's unique environment shaped its social and political development in profound ways. It's a compelling re-evaluation of a dark chapter in history, offering a fresh perspective on the interplay between nature, empire, and human resilience.
Used (good, see images, some markings and ex library) Hardcover ISBN 9781863954136
