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A Narrative of the Mutiny, on Board His Majesty's Ship Bounty

Downloads: Under 100
First published: 1790
Pages: 40

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About this book

A breadfruit expedition becomes a struggle to stay afloat when armed members of the Bounty crew seize control of the ship in 1789. William Bligh recounts being restrained in his cabin, brought on deck and forced into the launch with officers and men. His account records the provisions and instruments they were allowed to take, as well as the papers saved to support his explanation of events.

The subsequent boat voyage is told through dated entries filled with bearings, weather observations and decisions about where to land. Near the coast of New Holland, Bligh describes finding a passage through reefs, measuring the boat's position and searching for fish and shelter while food and water remain scarce. This personal maritime narrative offers readers both Bligh's account of the loss of his command and a close view of navigation under severe practical constraints.

About the author

William Bligh

William Bligh (1754-1817) was a British naval officer and colonial administrator who served as governor of New South Wales from 1806 to 1808. He commanded HMS Bounty at the time of the 1789 mutiny and afterwards sailed with the loyal crew in the ship's launch to Timor.