The Fatal Shore (1986) by Robert Hughes is a comprehensive history of Australia, focusing on its origins as a British penal colony. Hughes explores how the British sent convicts, often as an alternative to the death penalty, to a distant land in the wake of the American Revolution. The book sheds light on the harsh conditions and the moral complexities of Australia's birth, set against the backdrop of London's overpopulated, crime-ridden environment. While the narrative covers Australia's early struggles, from resource shortages to the conflict with Aboriginal populations, it also critiques the British penal system and the societal forces at play. Hughes's engaging writing style and detailed research have made The Fatal Shore a recognized classic, despite some criticisms about its selective focus and narrative tangents.
3