One of Nordhoff/Hall's less recognized novels, Botany Bay deserves better attention. It seems almost of the time (1831) from which it looks back over the events of the life of Hugh Tallant, an American caught up in poverty in England and sentenced to transportation to Australia (New South Wales). Its atmosphere in London is almost Dickensian. And the time detailing the founding of Sydney reads like an adventure story akin to James Finemore Cooper's.

Clearly, the research Nordhoff/Hall conducted into the preparation of their famous Bounty Trilogy paid off with a sort of twofer. It enabled them a head start on their research of London and England in the late 18th century as well as giving some prior insights into the settlement of Australia, which was to be governed in the very early years of the 19th century by William Bligh, who was made notorious through his depiction in the Trilogy.

The story of the novel itself is epic in scope, while also focusing on the intimacies of poverty and injustice in England and the dangers and thrills of settling a new continent. For good measure, Nordhoff/Hall throw in yet another long sea voyage in a small launch that, while it does not rival that of Men Against the Sea, nonetheless makes for eager turning of the pages. ( )

Interesting story about something I had never considered. After the Revolution, what happened to the people fought against the Americans for King George? The story starts with leaving New York & eventually going to England. Took a while to read, but it was worth it! ( )

The third in the "Mutiny on the Bounty" series. Depicts the discovery of Pitcairn Island and what happened to the mutineers of the HMS Bounty. ( )