In Tasmania | Nicholas Shakespeare | 2007 [SC]

Nicholas Shakespeare — novelist and biographer of Bruce Chatwin — came to Tasmania on holiday, found a house on an east coast beach near Swansea, and decided on the spot that this was where he wanted to live. He didn't yet know that his ancestor was Anthony Fenn Kemp — the corrupt, colourful and influential figure now known by some as the Father of Tasmania — or that he would find relatives still living on the island.

What followed was a deep dive into two centuries of Tasmanian history: the convicts, the Aboriginal people, the thylacine, Jorgen Jorgenson, Errol Flynn, the east coast families and the landscape of the island itself. In Tasmania weaves Shakespeare's personal discovery of his Tasmanian roots through the broader historical account, making it both a travel narrative and a serious piece of historical writing.

At 436 pages this is one of the most readable introductions to Tasmania's history and character. It is the book we recommend most often to visitors and newcomers to the island who want some insight into what they are looking at. (And the beach Shakespeare made his second home is only about 40 minutes from The Book Cellar — it's where we head when we need sand, sea air or a swim.)

BOOK DETAILS

• Softcover.
• 436 pages, indexed.
• Published 2007.

DELIVERY & IN-STORE PICKUP

• Combined Shipping: Sourcing multiple titles for your Tasmanian history library? The Book Cellar offers combined flat-rate parcel delivery across Australia. Secure your books using our online checkout, or phone the bookshop directly on 03 6381 1545 to coordinate multi-volume shipping.
• Free Instore Pickup: Located in Tasmania or travelling the Midland Highway? Select "Instore Pickup" at checkout to pay no postage and collect your items directly from the counter at The Book Cellar, underneath Foxhunters Return in Campbell Town.