The Shipwreck: The True Story of the Dunbar, the Disaster That Broke the Colony’s Heart and Forged a Nation’s Spirit by Larry Writer

Book Description

Secondhand. Near fine condition.

The Dunbar was one of the most advanced and celebrated sailing ships of the mid-19th century. Built to carry passengers in speed and luxury on the long route from Britain to Australia, it was the Titanic of its day.

Late at night on 20 August 1857, after an 81-day voyage from Plymouth, the Dunbar was caught by massive waves and storm-force winds near the cliffs of The Gap at Sydney's South Head and smashed to pieces on the rocks. All but one of the 123 passengers and crew perished: drowned, broken on the cliff face or mauled by sharks.

The catastrophe was one of the worst in Australia's history and happened on the doorstep of the young city of Sydney. Bodies and wreckage swept through the Heads and washed up on the harbour's beaches for days.

It demonstrated the precariousness of the colony's link to the mother country and devastated the city. Its aftermath saw enormous changes to navigation and maritime safety, including the construction of the lighthouse that still stands overlooking the Heads.

The Shipwreck is the masterfully told story of the Dunbar. Drawing on the wealth of contemporary sources, the narrative follows the personal stories of its crew, passengers, and the sole survivor, James Johnson, to bring to life the world of sail and the tragedy that changed the colony forever. (back cover)