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Mary Ann and Captain Piper

The remarkable true story of the convicts' daughter who became the toast of colonial Sydney
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( 137 ratings, 28 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Mary Ann and Captain Piper by Jessica North delves into the intriguing life of Mary Ann Piper and her influential husband, Captain Piper, during the colonial era in Australia. It traces Mary Ann's transition from a convict's daughter to a significant social figure, exploring her resilience, adaptability, and the couple's role in shaping early Sydney society. This biography illuminates the personal and historical challenges they faced while painting a vivid portrait of their profound impact on the emerging colony.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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?

You might enjoy this captivating biography if you're fascinated by tales of early Australian history and the intriguing lives of its pioneers. This book offers a compelling glimpse into the dynamic world of colonial Sydney, focusing on the life of a remarkable woman and her relationship with a notable figure of the time. It's perfect for those interested in vivid historical accounts and personal stories set against the backdrop of 19th-century society.

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The fascinating story of the daughter of First Fleet convicts who overcame her humble origins to become the mistress of the grandest home in colonial Sydney.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'An astonishing story of lust and love in early colonial Australia, shocking, entrancing and utterly enthralling.' - Sue Williams, author of Elizabeth and Elizabeth

Born on Norfolk Island to First Fleet convicts, Mary Ann was destined to become a farmer's wife. Instead, at the age of fourteen, she entranced the island's Commandant, the charming and flirtatious Captain Piper.

Learning how to behave as a lady, and overcoming the stigma of her origins, Mary Ann became mistress of the colony's grandest home when Sydney was just becoming a party town. With scores of servants, she and Captain Piper entertained on a scale that had never been seen in the colonies, hosting magnificent garden parties, dinners, and balls for hundreds of guests, including governors of New South Wales. But the Pipers were living beyond their means, and trouble was around the corner.

Mary Ann's life journey from barefoot child to Sydney's fashionable society encompasses triumphs, tragedies, and travels around the globe. For the first time, Jessica North's biography reveals Mary Ann Piper to be one of the most remarkable women in Australia's early history.

'An intriguing narrative of family secrets, extravagance and social advancement.' - Robin Walsh, author of In Her Own Words: The Writings of Elizabeth Macquarie

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?

Mary Ann and Captain Piper receives praise for presenting a sweeping and romantic historical narrative. It captivates readers with its rich storytelling, set against the backdrop of an early Australian landscape.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760879433

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 March 2022

Country: Australia

Imprint: Allen & Unwin

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 482g

Pages: 360

About the Author

Jessica North is fascinated by the women of early colonial Australia. She is the author of Esther: The extraordinary true story of the First Fleet girl who became First Lady of the colony.

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