A Cargo of Women

Name: A Cargo of Women
Brand: Allen & Unwin
SKU: 9781741755510
Price: 39.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

Susannah Watson and the convicts of the Princess Royal

By Babette Smith

0.0 (0 reviews)

3.54

( 46 ratings, 8 reviews)

Summary

A Cargo of Women by Babette Smith delves into the gripping historical narrative of female convicts who were transported to Australia in the early 19th century. Through meticulous research, the book brings to life their personal stories, challenges, and resilience during the perilous journey and their subsequent experiences in the penal colonies. It offers a vivid portrayal of the social conditions and unique struggles faced by women during this tumultuous period.
Read More

Format: Paperback / softback

$39⁹⁹

AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

A Cargo of Women

$39⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're fascinated by the human stories behind historical events. It offers a vivid exploration of the lives of women convicts transported to Australia, revealing their struggles, resilience, and the society they helped to shape. Ideal for those interested in women's history and early Australian colonial life.

A Cargo of Women

New edition of the bestselling history that traces the chequered story of 100 women transported together in 1829 to Sydney. Includes new information on the women and treatment of convicts, and new illustrations.

Description

Intrigued to discover a convict ancestor in her family tree, Babette Smith decided to investigate her life and the lives of the 99 women who were transported with her on the ship Princess Royal in 1829.

Piece by piece, she reveals the story of her ancestor, the indomitable Susannah Watson, who, trapped in the crowded filthy slums of Nottingham, stole because she could not bear to see her children starving. Separated forever from her husband and four children, she was transported to Australia for 14 years. She endured the convict system at its worst, yet emerged triumphant to die in her bed aged 83 singing 'Rock of Ages'.

Babette Smith reconstructs the lives of the women from the Princess Royal from fragments of information in shipping lists, official records, newspapers, and court transcripts. Her research overturns stereotypes of women convicts as drunken whores and criminals. Caught in an England convulsed by change, they become the unwitting and unwilling pioneers of a new land.

First published two decades ago, A Cargo of Women became a bestseller and remains one of the most valuable accounts of convict life in Australia.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Cargo of Women by Babette Smith provides a compelling account of the lives of female convicts transported to Australia. Reviews have praised the book for its detailed research and engaging narrative, shedding light on both the harsh realities and personal stories of these women, while also highlighting broader historical and social contexts. The book is commended for its ability to humanise and bring depth to a lesser-known chapter of history.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781741755510

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 October 2008

Country: Australia

Imprint: Allen & Unwin

Edition: 2nd edition

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 230.0mm

Weight: 430g

Pages: 336

Collections

Australian & Pacific History Babette Smith History & Military Non-Fiction

About the Author

Babette Smith is an independent historian and author of the groundbreaking Australia's Birthstain: The startling legacy of the convict era.