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The Commonwealth of Thieves

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The Commonwealth of Thieves

By: Thomas Keneally
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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About this listen

A lively history of the 'First Fleet' which took convicts from Britain to Australia in 1787; Sydney's early years as 'an open-air prison'; and the colonisation of New South Wales.

The story of modern Australia begins in 18th-century Britain, where people were hanged for petty offences but crime was rife and the gaols were bursting. From this situation was born the Sydney experiment, with criminals perceived to be damaging British society transported to Sydney, an 'open air prison with walls 14,000 miles thick'.

Eleven ships were dispatched in 1781 and arrived in Australia after eight hellish months at sea. Tom Keneally describes the first four years of the 'thief colony' and how, despite the escapes, the floggings, the murders and the rebellions, it survived against the odds to create a culture which would never have been tolerated in its homeland but which, in Australia, became part of the identity of a new and audacious nation.

©2006 The Serpentine Publishing Co. (Pty) Ltd (P)2006 Tantor Media, Inc Australia, New Zealand & Oceania Crime Oceania Thought-Provoking Inspiring
All stars
Most relevant  
well narrated, sympathetic narrative of both sides (english and indigenous) which kept my attention throughout

very enjoyable listen

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I’m very important document. Fascinated to get some insight into the workings of colonisation in Australia. Feel very sad for the indigenous people of the country because of the effects of what is really an invasion.

A very informative book

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A fascinating and accessible history of English settlement of Australia. I learnt many things. The English were cruel to many but most particularly their own people.

All Australians should indulge

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Enjoyed this a lot, great insight. As someone who is currently researching my daughter’s convict ancestors, this was a worthy read. I especially value the inclusion of stories involving our indigenous people.

Very Informative

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Without judgement Thomas weaves the stories of the individual lives of convicts, soldiers sea captains, and free settlers, those of Benelong, Barangaroo and the Eora people with that of Arthur Philip and other British officials into a complex colorful tapestry that brings to vivid life the story of the meeting of two cultures, two nations, two world views. A subject that is often as dry as ships biscuit when presented in grade school history books comes to life under the exquisite penmanship of Keneally as he depicts events of settlement through the intertwining life stories of the many lives allowing the reader to become almost intimately acquainted with the characters through their diary entries thus giving the reader almost the sense of having lived the experience first hand as a fly-on-the-wall observer, a voyeur-to-the-events that began the story of Australia. Engaging enthralling enlightening and best of all... entertaining!!

A most vivid account of Australian settlement

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A remarkable book on the early British settlement of Australia and the relationship of the settlers and convicted men and woman with the native Australians. The narration is particularly pleasant with Simon’s lovely voice and English. I’ll listen again one day soon because Thomas has filled the book with so much material that it is easy to miss some while musing over it.

Full 5 star

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Excellent early history of our first settlers.

If you want to learn about Australian history, this is a great place to start.

Well read.

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This book provided details of the settlement of Sydney, a city that I personally enjoy, I especially appreciated the aspect of the interaction with the Aboriginal people, I would recommend it to anyone interested in such like historic time lines.

The Commonwealth of Thieves

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Great story line, wonderful research, excellent narration. My heart ached for many of the men and women of 1788. I also understand from an indigenous perspective what a disruption to their world.

Loved this book

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kenally writes clearly. this is a well researched and informative book. written in the style of a novel nevertheless it provides an informed view of early European settlement.

history but not history

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.