1
of
1
The Convict and The Compass
The Untold Story of James Meehan
Brief Description
Sentenced at 26 years old for his role in an uprising against British rule in Ireland, James Meehan arrived in Australia in 1800 as a servant to English explorer Charles Grimes. Through talent and diligence, he rose to Acting Surveyor General of the young colony, working...
Read More
Format: Hardback
$7500
Unit price
/
Unavailable
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER
Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks
Found a better price? Request a price match
The Convict and The Compass
$7500
Unit price
/
Unavailable
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
Sentenced at 26 years old for his role in an uprising against British rule in Ireland, James Meehan arrived in Australia in 1800 as a servant to English explorer Charles Grimes.
Through talent and diligence, he rose to Acting Surveyor General of the young colony, working for five governors from 1800 to 1822. Meehan was instrumental in mapping the Sydney environs and planning the town’s layout, as well as early expeditions to the Hunter Valley, Port Phillip Bay, King Island and Tasmania.
Kings and governors respected him and he played a crucial role in establishing Australia’s first Roman Catholic place of worship, St Mary’s Church. However, Meehan is a forgotten man in Australian historical writing. The story of how this Irish political prisoner became a fine explorer, conscientious surveyor and excellent busman, is at the heart of Peter Bradley’s thoroughly researched historical non-fiction.
Through talent and diligence, he rose to Acting Surveyor General of the young colony, working for five governors from 1800 to 1822. Meehan was instrumental in mapping the Sydney environs and planning the town’s layout, as well as early expeditions to the Hunter Valley, Port Phillip Bay, King Island and Tasmania.
Kings and governors respected him and he played a crucial role in establishing Australia’s first Roman Catholic place of worship, St Mary’s Church. However, Meehan is a forgotten man in Australian historical writing. The story of how this Irish political prisoner became a fine explorer, conscientious surveyor and excellent busman, is at the heart of Peter Bradley’s thoroughly researched historical non-fiction.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781920727420
Publisher: Ventura Press
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 11 November 2025
Country: Australia
Imprint: Ventura Press
DIMENSIONS
Width: 153.0mm
Height: 234.0mm
Weight: 0g
Pages: 616
About the Author
Peter Bradley is a passionate historian whose interest in family history began when he discovered his great-grandfather's first-hand account of surviving a shipwreck. After a career in finance, Peter's passion lies in uncovering the past, and bringing to light his ancestor's remarkable legacy. His first book, Convicted, is an engrossing and highly imaginative retelling of the story of a father, son and grandson, entwined with the history of Australia from the landing of the First Fleeting in 1788.
No collection found for handle:
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
