Mutiny, Mayhem, Mythology: Bounty's Enigmatic Voyage

(Paperback)

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Description

For the past 225 years, the story of the Bountymutiny has capturedthe public's imagination. The reasons for the mutiny have been intensely debated for the past two centuries, with writers and historians oscillating between two poles of interpretation. Alan Frost looks past these narrative structures to shed new light on what truly happened during the infamous expedition. Reviewing previous accounts and explanations of the voyage and subsequent mutiny, and placing it within a broader historical context, Frost investigates the mayhem, mutiny and mythology of the Bounty.

Reviews

Professor Frost has looked closely at the primary sources surrounding Fletcher Christian. He argues that we do not know enough about Christian to assess why he mutinied. Similarly, he demonstrates that no one can know for sure what happened on Pitcairn Island in the first 10 years because all the
sources are suspect This book will, as the author hopes, open up the field for further studies based on a firmer grasp of the sources'

"there have been innumerable books written and movies made about the subject. Most have sympathised quite strongly with the leader of the mutineers, Fletcher Christian, against the Captain of the Bounty William Bligh. Frost is much more even-handed. Using a psychological and literary
approach, he analyses the many available documents and some more he has discovered, to put the mutiny into realistic perspective ... Your reviewer has read many books on the Bounty and seen the movies. Frosts book is the most objective and informative of all.'

Author Bio

Alan Frost is professor emeritus of history at La Trobe University. His previous books include Botany Bay: The Real Story, The First Fleet: The Real Story, The Voyage of the Endeavour and The Global Reach of Empire.