In "Botany Bay, True Tales of Early Australia," John Lang intricately weaves together a tapestry of narratives exploring the foundation of Australia through a collection of personal accounts and historical vignettes. His literary style balances meticulous historical detail with vivid storytelling, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of early settlers and convicts. Published in the mid-19th century, the book emerges from the Romantic literary tradition, showcasing a growing interest i...

"By far the most thorough and well-written investigative book on RMS Titanic's short life and tragic sinking that this reviewer has read . . . fascinating." — Choice ReviewsThe sinking of the Titanic on her maiden voyage in April 1912 was one of the defining moments of the twentieth century. Books and films about the disaster that befell the iconic liner are commonplace, and it seems almost inconceivable that anything fresh can emerge. Bu...

The sinking of the Titanic on her maiden voyage in April 1912 was one of the defining moments of the twentieth century. Books and films about the disaster that befell the iconic liner are commonplace, and it seems almost inconceivable that anything fresh can emerge. But there is one angle that has not been covered, and Titanic: A Fresh Look at the Evidence by a Former Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents examines the events of April 1912 from that completely new perspective. John Lang bring...

A gripping 20th-century historical fiction novel of survival, sacrifice, and the search for redemption.In 1916, Clessie Bonaparte knows only a life of suffering on her father’s Midwest farm. Following the mysterious death of her Ojibwe mother and enduring her white father’s brutality, a pregnant Clessie makes a fateful decision: she must flee to save herself and her unborn child.A Journey from the Midwest to the Rugged West Her escape takes...

In "Botany Bay, True Tales of Early Australia," John Lang delivers a meticulous account of the early exploration and settlement of Australia, intertwining a rich tapestry of historical narratives with vivid personal anecdotes. Written in the early 19th century, Lang employs a narrative style that reflects the Romantic sensibilities of his time, emphasizing the interplay of nature and human endeavor. The book serves not only as a chronicle of colonial encounters but also as a critique of Br...

Written by Australia's 'first native born novelist' John Lang, this is a fascinating tale of the early years of Australian colonisation. It has been reprinted many times over the years, sometimes appearing as 'Clever Criminals' or 'Remarkable Convicts'.

In "Too Clever by Half," John Lang delivers a masterful exploration of the complexities of human ego, folly, and the unintended consequences of intellectual pride. Set against a vividly drawn backdrop of late Victorian society, the narrative weaves together sharp wit and incisive social critique, illustrating the often absurd lengths to which individuals will go to assert their intelligence. Lang's prose is marked by a keen observational style and a talent for irony, providing the reader w...

The alcohol mindset refers to the mental and emotional framework that associates alcohol with relaxation, socialization, or coping with stress. It develops through societal norms, psychological reinforcement, and peer influence, leading individuals to rely on alcohol for emotional regulation or as a necessary part of social identity. Over time, this mindset can lead to harmful behaviors, emotional dependence, and strained relationships. Recognizing and overcoming the alcohol mindset is wha...

Novelist, intrepid traveller, barrister-at-law, newspaper editor and uninhibited gossip, John Lang lived for a number of years in pre- and post-Mutiny British India, and his writings constitute some of the most vivid records of the time. Lang describes his meeting with the Ranee of Jhansi-soon to become the focal point of the rebellion-as well as his counsel to her; he also chronicles the wondrous and tragic life of 'Black and Blue', a boy of mixed British and Indian parentage, and his cla...

Robinson Crusoe, Told to the Children by John Lang is a retelling of Daniel Defoe's classic novel Robinson Crusoe, specifically adapted for a younger audience. John Lang’s version simplifies the language and narrative, making it more accessible and engaging for children.The story follows Robinson Crusoe, an adventurous and resourceful man who becomes shipwrecked on a deserted island. Stranded and isolated, Crusoe must use his ingenuity and survival skills to build a new life for himself. H...

John Lang was Australia's first locally born novelist, publishing early work in Sydney in the 1840s and going on to write several bestsellers. The Forger's Wife (1856) is a lively adventure novel, set in an unruly colonial Sydney where everyone is on the make. The forger's wife is a young woman who follows her rakish husband out to Australia and struggles to survive as her marriage falls apart. She soon meets detective George Flower, a powerful man with a cavalier sense of justice...

'Mrs Merrydale went off with Lieutenant Maxwell, leaving her children under the care of the servants, until her husband came to take them away. Mrs Hastings, who used to bore us about the duties of a wife, carried off that silly boy Stammersleigh. These elopements led to two actions in H.M. Supreme Court of Calcutta...' Born in Australia in 1816, John Lang-novelist, newspaper editor and barrister, now best known for having defended the Rani of Jhansi in court against the British East India...