Old Convict Days (1899)

Old Convict Days is a book written by Louis Becke and first published in 1899. The book is a collection of short stories that depict the life of convicts in Australia during the 19th century. The stories are based on Becke's personal experiences as a sailor and trader in the Pacific Islands, where he came into contact with many former convicts who had been transported to Australia.The book provides a vivid and realistic portrayal of the harsh conditions and brutal treatment that the convicts endured in the Australian penal colonies. The stories cover a range of topics, from the brutal floggings and forced labor that the convicts were subjected to, to their attempts at escape and the relationships they formed with each other and with the indigenous people of Australia.Despite the grim subject matter, Becke's writing is often humorous and lighthearted, and he portrays the convicts as complex and sympathetic characters rather than as mere criminals. The book is also notable for its sympathetic portrayal of the indigenous people of Australia, who are often depicted in other works of the time as savage and uncivilized.Overall, Old Convict Days is a fascinating and historically important work that provides a unique perspective on the early history of Australia and the lives of those who were sent there as punishment.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.