Mike Dash

Batavia's Graveyard by Mike Dash is a harrowing account of survival, treachery, and bravery that transports readers back to the 17th century and the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Dutch East Indiaman Batavia. In 1629, the Batavia struck an uncharted reef off the coast of what is now Australia, leading to a catastrophic shipwreck. Onboard were 332 men, women, and...

In 1628, the Dutch East India Company loaded the Batavia, the flagship of its fleet, with a king’s ransom in gold, silver, and gems for her maiden voyage to Java. The ship itself was a tangible symbol of the world’s richest and most powerful monopoly. The company also sent along a new employee to guard its treasure. He was Jeronimus...