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BOOK REVIEWS
1788 David Hill 2008 ISBN 978-1-74166-797-4
David Hill’ s 1788 offers a vivid account of the founding of modern Australia through the journey and settlement of the First Fleet. Combining meticulous research with an engaging narrative style, Hill presents a deeply human story of desperation, survival, and colonial ambition.
1788 begins with the dire conditions in late 18th-century Britain, and a justice system that punished even minor crimes with transportation. Hill then guides the reader through the perilous voyage of the 11 ships that carried more than 1,500 convicts, officers, and crew to the unknown shores of New South Wales.
What sets 1788 apart is Hill’ s use of personal letters, journals, and official documents to illuminate the individual experiences of those involved, including Governor Arthur Phillip, who faced enormous logistical and moral challenges upon arrival.
Equally important is Hill’ s treatment of the Aboriginal perspective. He does not shy away from confronting the destructive consequences of colonization on Indigenous communities, acknowledging the violence, misunderstandings, and cultural erasure that followed the First Fleet’ s arrival.
While the book is approachable for general readers, it doesn’ t compromise on historical depth. Hill balances narrative drive with factual clarity, and his storytelling brings emotional resonance to the often-overlooked hardships and injustices of this foundational period.
1788 is an essential read for anyone interested in Australian history. It paints a complex, often sobering picture of the nation’ s colonial roots, told with empathy and honesty. Not a motorcycle book, but certainly one of great adventure.
Iron Horse Cowgirls Linda Back McKay & Kate St Vincent Vogl 2023 ISBN 978-1-4766694-6-5
Iron Horse Cowgirls: Louise Scherbyn and the Women Motorcyclists of the 1930s and 1940s is a compelling historical account co-authored by Linda Back McKay and Kate St. Vincent Vogl. The book chronicles the life of Louise Scherbyn, a pioneering motorcyclist who founded the Women’ s International Motorcycle Association( WIMA) in 1952, and explores the broader experiences of women riders during a time when societal norms largely excluded them from such pursuits.
The narrative begins with Scherbyn ' s transition from riding in a sidecar to becoming a solo motorcyclist, a journey that not only reflects her personal growth but also symbolises the broader struggle for women ' s independence in the early 20th century. The authors delve into the challenges these women faced, including societal expectations, inadequate riding gear, and the physical demands of motorcycling on unpaved roads. Despite these obstacles, Scherbyn and her peers carved out a space for themselves in the motorcycling world, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among women riders.
Iron Horse Cowgirls not only documents the achievements of Scherbyn and her contemporaries but also situates their stories within the broader context of women ' s rights and societal change. It ' s a valuable resource for those interested in women ' s history, motorcycling culture, and the evolution of gender roles in the 20th century.
In summary, Iron Horse Cowgirls is a well-researched and engagingly written tribute to the women who defied conventions to pursue their passion for motorcycling.
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