What does a happy little blogger do when she’s not researching and writing? Well she reads of course! Some things are just too good not to share. Here are some of my favourites.
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I am an unashamed bibliophile or in more common terms, a complete bookworm. Especially historical non-fiction. Most people collect something light as mementoes when they go places. Or so I keep getting told by my travel-buddy (husband). I however, collect books. Heavy, suitcase weighing down books.
Reading Now
2025. Mary Gaunt Independent Colonial Woman. I’m reading Bronwen Hickman’s biography about Mary Gaunt. Love! Such a good read. (born and raised on the gold fields at the same time as some of ours).
Hickman, Bronwen.(2014). Mary Gaunt, Independent Colonial Woman. Melbourne Books
A History of Greatham. This one is so close to my heart. (Kingshott). I picked up my treasured copy from the family church in Greatham in 2024 when visiting. A lovely lady who I started talking to knew of a book that was in the office and let me buy it. Incredible book.
Gripton, Peter. (2003). A History of Greatham. KenandGlen, Worcester, England.
Van Diemen’s Land, read this when I was traveling and researching in in Tasmania in 2019. A must for Van Diemen’s Land interest.
Boyce, James. (2009). Van Diemen’s Land. Black Inc., Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
Barkley, Jack. (2009). Settlement Revealed, A new look at Australia’s third mainland settlement 1793-1802. Rosenberg Publishing p/l, NSW, Australia.
Hinds, Peter. (2013). The Campbelltown Convicts. MoshPit Publishing, Australia.
The Floating Brothel. I loved this book. It was one of those ‘cant put down books’. Full of joy and bittersweet experiences. Our ELIZABETH HOPPER was on the ‘Floating Brothel!
Reeves, Sian. (2010). The Floating Brothel. Hodder Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
I’m going to say it, The Gold Standard of Australian Convict research is Robert Hughes, The Fatal Shore.
I‘ve got my much treasured hardback but it is available considerably cheaper in paperback. Everything you ever wanted to know about Australian convicts and more.
Hughes, Robert, (1986). Th Fatal Shore. Collins Harvill, London, England
The Highland Clans, I picked up my copy in Edinburgh in 2024 and read it on the plane. Beautifully coloured and detailed images. An easy and thoroughly enjoyable read. Turned out to be a surprising gem. (Hay Clan)
Moffat, Alistair. (2013). The Highland Clans. Thames & Hudson, London, England.
Fiddes, Jim. (2012). Brodiach to Bervie: A History of Skene and Westhill. Leopard Press, Scotland.
Jim Fiddes has also written, The Granite Men (Aberdeen)(2019)
NAITONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA ACCESS (can order for fee)
I’ve only seen excerpts of these and I don’t even know if they are still available? Would love to get my hands on a set. (Turner books). (HOPPER, HAZLEWOOD, HAY)
Turner, Jean. (1995). It Started with Muslin: Elizabeth Hopper’s story. Open-book Publishers, ISBN 0646226835, 9780646226835
Available in reading room at National Library of Australia
Turner, Jean. (1995). Unwilling Tasmanians: William Hazlewood’s story. Jean Turner Publishing, ISBN 0646257498, 9780646257495.
Available in reading room at National Library of Australia
Turner, Jean. (1997). A Long Road to Hobart Town: Robert Hay’s story. Jean Turner Publishing, ISBN 0646342894, 9780646342894.
Available in reading room at National Library of Australia
Turner, Jean. (2000). The Bushrangers are at Hay’s house: Robert and Maria Hay’s story. Jean Turner Publishing, ISBN 0957813600, 9780957813601
Available in reading room at National Library of Australia
GOOGLE BOOKS
John Gay’s family mentioned on several occasions. Out of print.
Lister Maw, Henry. (1829). Journal of a passage from the Pacific to the Atlantic: Crossing the Andes in the northern provinces of Peru and descending the river Marañon (or Amazon). Retrieved from: https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Journal_of_a_Passage_from_the_Pacific_to.html?id=ftbPAr6TnpsC&redir_esc=y
Yews to Eucalypts 