Rachel Edwards, Fullers Bookshop
Book launch – Aboriginal Convicts; Australian, Khoisan and Maori Exiles by Dr Kristyn Harman, Fullers Bookshop, September 6, 5.30pm
Join Dr Kristyn Harman in conversation with Professor Henry Reynolds to celebrate the launch of Aboriginal Convicts, Australian Khoisan and Maori Exiles (New South Books, 2012) at Fullers Bookshop on Thursday, September 6 at 5.30pm.
This is Dr Harman’s first book and it covers an area of Australian history that is often overlooked, the transportation of aboriginal convicts into Australia’s penal system.
Dr Harman has explored in detail (among others) Black Peter, the last bushranger hanged in Van Diemen’s land and a Khoisan from Southern Africa. He arrived in Australia a free man and was sentenced to transportation to Van Diemen’s Land from South Australia following his conviction for stealing horses.
She also covers the tragic story of Hohepa te Umuroa, a young Maori warrior who was sentenced for bearing arms against the Queen and sent to Maria Island as a political prisoner, where he died from a respiratory disease within a year.
This book, superbly researched and written in an interesting, narrative driven fashion has a wealth of information and is sure to be a starting point for many discussions.
Henry Reynolds in one of Australia’s preeminent historians. His most recent book is The History of Tasmania (CUP, 2011).
Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.
