The Gardens of Hell: John Mitchel in Van Dieman's Land 1850-1853 edited by Peter O'Shaughnessy

Book Description

Secondhand. Very good condition. Minor wear to book corners and edges. Previous owner has signed half-title page, now covered with blank ex libris bookplate sticker.

In his authentic, poetical fashion, Mitchel discovers the Australian scene in Tasmania as did some of the finest of Australia's earliest painters, like John Glover and John Skinner Prout.

Peter O'Shaughnessy introduced this account, which was taken from John Mitchel's Jail Journal. It deals with Mitchel's three-year confinement as a political prisoner in Van Diemen's Land.

Mitchell casts a cold eye on convict life. When he was in Van Diemen's Land, more than 50% of the colony comprised convict or convict emancipist stock. Yet the Australian bush was a wondrous revelation for Mitchell, with his great love of nature. (back cover)