A history of colonial Australia, not of the famous and heroic, but of the small people, the anonymous people who were the heartbeat of a growing nation In this first book of his social history series, the author sets out on a journey through Australia’s colonial history with his ancestors from British Isles. All arrived by the 1830s, two on the First Fleet in 1788. Most are from central and southern England. Four are from two little villages close by each other in Wiltshire: Semley and Donhead St Mary. In addition, two convicts and one free settler came from Dublin, Monaghan, and Donegal in Ireland, and a farming family of four came from Aberdeen in Scotland. It is surprising how much he finds out about them all—joys, successes, and tragedies. Their lives are anything but dull. James Joseph Wilson, who narrowly escaped the gallows and was surprisingly literate for a man thrice convicted of burglary, arrived in Port Jackson on board the Prince Regent in 1827. The colonial authorities assigned him to Robert Lowe, one of the Colony’s early landholders. Lowe sent him to Mudgee in north-western New South Wales to shepherd his flocks. Young 18-year-old hutkeeper James Joseph was one of the first inhabitants in the Mudgee area. He teamed up with fellow convict Michael Jones to look for land. They married sisters Jane and Elizabeth Harris, daughters of free settlers, and travelled northwest to the Coonamble area, 330 miles from Sydney, to set up their farms. The two freed convicts and the Harris sisters became his great-great-grandparents. Nine convicts are in the direct line of his ancestors. He traces their lives against the social and historical background of colonial Australia, presenting a very different picture from the view usually found in school history books. They all thrive, taking advantage of their second chance. This book is the story of their redemption. Besides offering the reader an interesting, sometimes gripping family story, he reveals the cultural continuities in which his ancestors acted and how they responded to those continuities in a totally different physical environment. He seeks to discover to what extent the outlook, culture and character of his ancestors worked to make his extended family and him what they are. Naming his family Catholic is not gratuitous. Religion, as a social and political force, always plays an important role in a nation. It is emphatically the case in Australia where the national establishment threw together a sizable underclass of (Irish) Catholics with the Protestant Ascendancy. How was that to work out in a democratic order where there was no legal disqualification based on religion? He deals with that. Second, of my original ancestors only three were Catholic. The rest were a mixture of Protestants, from the Church of England to Scottish Wesleyans, to dissenters. How the Wilsons ended up Catholic makes an interesting story. And, finally, perhaps most importantly, he sketches a picture of the way Australia developed as a new people and a new nation. In 1950, most Australians had an ancestry like his.

'the love of my life'... John Ward, writing whilst incarcerated on Norfolk Island, tells a story of thwarted love that–he claims–led him to a life of crime: including theft, sexual assault and more. In telling the candid story of his downfall he exposes his own ruthlessness and lack of empathy. This book, using the diary as its base, is fascinating on so many levels. It is an insight into the criminal mind, ably examined by author June Slee. It is a glimpse into 19th–century aristocratic life–dress, food, pastimes and prejudices–from a servant's perspective (Ward was a groom to an officer gentleman). And it is a unique record, perhaps the only extant diary ever written during the Australian penal era whilst its convict writer was imprisoned. Plus, Ward records a particular moment in our history: not only life aboard prison hulks which he describes in detail but also the timing of his arrival in Sydney when convicts were no longer being accepted; he was sent straight to Norfolk Island where we get a fascinating insight into the rule of Captain Alexander Maconochie. Moconochie believed in a system of improvement for convicts based on a marks system for good behaviour rather than humiliating punishment. In this way, Ward gained access to writing materials for his diary. It's all in this book: love, history, convicts, crime and criminology, Norfolk Island ... The author weaves the diary – Ward’s own words – into her text seamlessly to tell a gripping story. Illustrated with over 150 images including paintings, photographs, documents, newspapers and drawings, the book includes text box features that elucidate aspects of life at the time: oyster bars and eating out, disease, smuggling, county justice, convict marriage, convict class and society, the end of transportation, and more. June Slee is an experienced writer and researcher, lecturer and practitioner in the field of criminology, particularly relating to the Australian convict era. Slee was immediately drawn to Ward’s story, not just for its insight into 19th-century crime and punishment, but also for its outstanding literary style and rarity as a diary that was written while its author was still incarcerated. Currently she is completing another book on convictism and has plans for two further books. June currently lives in New Zealand

Delve into American Political History with "Jefferson and Hamilton: The Struggle for Democracy" Step back in time to witness one of the most pivotal moments in American political history with Claude G. Bowers' masterful work, "Jefferson and Hamilton: The Struggle for Democracy in America." Through meticulous research and engaging narrative, Bowers brings to life the epic clash between two of the nation's founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, as they vied for the soul of the young republic. Unravel the Complexities of Early American Politics In "Jefferson and Hamilton," Bowers skillfully navigates the turbulent waters of late 18th-century America, offering readers a front-row seat to the ideological battle that shaped the nation's future. From Jefferson's vision of agrarian democracy to Hamilton's advocacy for a strong central government and industrial economy, Bowers illuminates the contrasting visions and strategies of these influential figures. As you follow Jefferson and Hamilton's intertwined journeys through politics, policy, and personal ambition, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped the early American experiment in democracy. Bowers' vivid prose and keen insights shed light on the complexities of power, ideology, and human nature, painting a rich portrait of a nation in flux. Why "Jefferson and Hamilton" Is Essential Reading: In-Depth Analysis: Gain valuable insights into the personalities, principles, and policies of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, two towering figures in American history. Relevant to Today's Issues: Explore themes of federalism, populism, and partisan politics that resonate with contemporary debates, offering valuable context for understanding the challenges facing modern democracy. Engaging Narrative: Bowers' compelling storytelling and attention to detail make "Jefferson and Hamilton" a captivating read for history enthusiasts and casual readers alike.Embark on a journey through the corridors of power and the battlefields of ideas with "Jefferson and Hamilton: The Struggle for Democracy in America." Discover how the competing visions of these founding fathers continue to shape the American political landscape to this day.

The history of a nation through the lives of ordinary Australians whose beginnings were in a penal colony. In 1901, the author’s great-grandparents, James Patrick and Mary Jane Wilson, moved from rural Tallawang near Gulgong to the fledgling suburb of Chatswood on Sydney’s North Shore. Accompanying them were Bert (the author’s grandfather), Bert’s sister Elizabeth and his younger brother Leo. Older brother Percy followed later. Bert, Percy and older brother Tom began a business, building houses from Chatswood through to Hornsby on Sydney’s northern border. The breakout of the First World War saw dramatic changes. Rowland Wilson, Bert’s nephew, enlisted only to be engaged shortly after his arrival in France in one of the bloodiest battles of the War – the battle over Pozieres. His remains are mingled with the mud and dirt of Pozieres’ farmlands. Leo, Rowland’s uncle, followed a year later. The author gives an account of their terrible experiences. On the author’s mother’s side, it was his grandfather Steele’s brother, Percy Steele, who endured the same frightening ordeal, carrying a lifelong war wound. Australians were hardly over the War when the Depression struck, causing many builders to lose their businesses. The Wilsons hung on by the skin of their teeth, improvising as best they could, while the Steeles, always with work with the New South Wales Railways in clerical positions, did much better. The author provides an engaging account of his parents’ upbringing before they met at Chatswood in 1938. They were from very different backgrounds. The class difference would cause them heartache. The Second World War intervened. His father was a leading sick berth attendant on HMAS SYDNEY during the great cruiser battles in the Mediterranean. It was a deadly period, but the SYDNEY survived and returned to Australia where his parents were married in 1941. Tension was never far away between his father and his mother’s parents. Among all these happenings were much drama and excitement. The book ends with the author’s father building their first house at Lane Cove, a suburb adjacent to Chatswood. Book 3, ME AND PETE, covering the author’s early childhood, was released in 2020.

Explore the journey of redemption and resilience in William Delaforce's poignant memoir, "The Life and Experiences of an Ex-Convict: Redemption and Resilience in Port Macquarie." Join Delaforce as he shares his remarkable story of overcoming adversity and finding hope in the face of hardship. As Delaforce recounts his experiences, he invites readers into the harsh reality of life as an ex-convict in Port Macquarie. Through tales of struggle and triumph, he sheds light on the resilience of the human spirit and the power of redemption to transform lives. But amidst the challenges of rebuilding a life after incarceration lies a question that resonates with readers of all backgrounds: What does it truly mean to find redemption? Through Delaforce's honest and introspective narrative, readers are offered a glimpse into the complexities of forgiveness, self-discovery, and second chances. Follow Delaforce on a journey of self-reflection and personal growth as he navigates the trials and tribulations of life outside prison walls. Through perseverance and determination, he learns to confront his past, embrace his future, and forge a path toward a brighter tomorrow. Are you ready to be inspired by the resilience of the human spirit? Immerse yourself in the pages of "The Life and Experiences of an Ex-Convict: Redemption and Resilience in Port Macquarie," where hope shines brightest in the darkest of times. Join Delaforce on a journey of redemption, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. Experience the power of redemption. Order your copy of "The Life and Experiences of an Ex-Convict" today and discover the transformative journey of one man's quest for redemption and resilience. Don't miss your chance to be moved by William Delaforce's inspiring memoir. Purchase "The Life and Experiences of an Ex-Convict" now and embark on a journey of hope, healing, and second chances.

This book supports readers to transition to more advanced independent game projects by deepening their understanding of the concept development process. It covers how to make concepts sufficiently viable, ambitious, and innovative to warrant the creation of a polished prototype in preparation of a publisher pitch. The book is divided into six sections. After a brief tutorial (Preliminary Phase), readers embark on a journey along the book’s methodology. They travel through successive conceptual phases (Preparations, Procedures, Processes, and Propositions); advance through levels and action beats in each of these phases; master challenges (conceptual tasks) and overcome level bosses (design decisions) that become successively harder; collect items (fulfilled documentation tasks); and “win” the game by having progressed from a raw, initial idea to a full-fledged, polished game treatment. Additional resources for the book are available at ludotronics.net. This book is designed to support junior and senior year BA or MA students in game design programs, as well as novice indie developers and those in the early stages of their game design career.