Batavia by Peter FitzSimons

Peter FitzSimons is one of Australia’s most popular historians, and it’s easy to see why – he has a knack for choosing fascinating moments in our history, and really bringing them to life. His latest, Batavia, is no exception. It tells the story of the Dutch East India Company ship Batavia, and it’s unfortunate occupants. In 1629, on it’s maiden voyage, Batavia was shipwrecked on a small island off the coast of Western Australia. As the commander of the ship sets out in a longboat to search for help, his second in command Jeronimus Cornelisz takes control, deciding that most of the 220 survivors should be killed to conserve their meagre supplies. His only opponent is Wiebbe Hayes, who tries to gather a force to stop the slaughter. An incredible true story full of rich historical detail that reads like a thriller. Batavia has just been released in trade paperback, so if you missed the hardback, it’s not too late! $34.95

About these ads