https://shawjonathan.com/2020/09/06/grace-karskens-colony/ ( )

In this detailed and expansive volume, Grace Karskens unravels the history of the convict settlement of Sydney and its rapid expansion across the Cumberland Plain beyond. She begins, quite properly, by reconstructing the forested landscape of the Sydney basin over recent geological time including the relationship and understanding Aboriginal people had with this land. The account of the initial convict camp that follows includes a cast list ranging from soldiers, convicts, settlers and scientists. With extensive and informative background material we are provided with a rare glimpse into the thoughts and visions of the governors of this colony including their sometimes ill fated strategies for both prosperity and harmony. Subsequent chapters look at the growing pains of the new settlement all the while leading to the eventual armed conflict between old and new inhabitants of the land.

Overall Karskens displays a strong sense of narrative, conjuring convicts toiling in the intense and variable Australian climate to “free” the land for cultivation while naked Aboriginals from the local tribes look on, no doubt nervous about these foreigners’ long term intentions.

Grace Karskens is a distinguished author in the field; her previous books include The Rocks: Life in Early Sydney and Inside the Rocks. She comes across as a scrupulous researcher who respects her sources and is prepared to challenge the views of previous scholars and authors. The Colony seems to represent a personal mission to remove the many myths and lingering stains of impropriety emanating from an important moment in both British and Australian history, and I feel Grace has achieved her goal. The book is very well illustrated with maps, photographs and artistic images but I’ll admit that at nearly 600 pages this book is not something that can be breezed through at pace. It will take several sittings and many moments of reflection to truly appreciate its detailed analysis and commentary. This is a book for all who are interested in the subject matter and want to improve their understanding - not least those devoted colonial scholars. ( )