WEST AUSTRALIANA Biography –
Graham Seal relates a poignant tale spanning decades and hemispheres: convict William Sykes and his wife Myra Sykes. There exists only meagre sources – some letters from Myra and William, William’s shipboard journal, and a handful of official documents. The author has written a fascinating historical detective story from little pieces of the past. A poaching expedition and its tragic consequences, William’s trials, transportation to Western Australia (Swan River colony) and life as a convict there – but most compellingly, Myra’s heartbreaking struggle against poverty raising four children in England (never to see her husband again), are all brought vividly to life. The author is professor of folklore, Curtin University, Perth.
First Edition.
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- xv, 236 p., [8] leaves of plates : ill. (some col.), maps, facsims ; 21 cm.
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- Bibliography: p. 229-236.
#161125
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- National Biography Award of Australia, 2008
- xv, 236 p., [8] leaves of plates : ill. (some col.), maps, facsims ; 21 cm.