Mike Dash. 

When the Dutch East Indiaman Batavia struck an uncharted reef off the new continent of Australia on her maiden voyage in 1629, 332 men, women and children were on board. While some headed off in a lifeboat to seek help, 250 of the survivors ended up on a tiny coral island less than half a mile long. A band of mutineers, whose motives were almost beyond comprehension, then started on a cold-blooded killing spree, leaving fewer than 80 people alive when the rescue boat arrived three months later. BATAVIA'S GRAVEYARD tells this strange story as a gripping narrative structured around three strong principal characters: Francisco Pelsaert, the cultivated but weak-willed captain; Jeronimus Cornelisz, a sinister apothecary with a terrifying personal philosophy influenced by Rosicrucianism who set himself up as the ruler of the island; and Wiebbe Hayes, the only survivor with the courage to fight Jeronimus's band. The background to these events, including the story of the Dutch East India Company, and the discovery of Australia, is richly drawn.The true story of the mead heretic who led history's bloodiest mutiny. 446pp.

First published in 2002

Castaway

Douglas R G Sellick.

The stories told here actually happened; none is imaginary; none is embellished; all are more fantastic than fiction and are little known. These true tales of nineteenth-century survival reveal the terror, the horror, the dark truths about human nature, the limits of courage and the fragility of life, about people who have been abandoned to the sea, and the ultimate joy of rescue. 272pp.  

First published in 2003

Kelly Tyler-Lewis.

Sir Ernest Shackleton set out to make history with the first crossing of the Antarctic continent. Shackleton sailed into Weddell Sea on the Endurance while his supply ship Aurora sailed to the Ross Sea to establish a lifeline of supply depots. This is the story of 10 men from the Aurora stranded ashore with little more than what they were wearing and their battle for survival and accomplishment of their assignment.

First published 2006, this edition 2007

Hugh Edwards.

Broome in Western Australia has an incredible history, one which has braved the force of war and dangers of a declining agricultural heritage. Known for its rich natural background, cyclones and sharks are among its less friendly of occupants, but the pearling business which at one time floundered with the introduction of the plastic button, is once again booming. Locally cultured pearls are now the biggest and best in the world and the industry is worth millions of dollars annually.

Hugh Edwards’ historical and contemporary insights into Broome make a fitting tribute to this resilient Australian town.

First published in 1984, this editon 2009