The Fatal Shore

The Fatal Shore is a history book by Robert Hughes that explores the brutal reality of Australia’s early convict settlement period. It details how thousands of prisoners were sent to Australia from Britain in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, enduring harsh conditions, forced labor, and survival challenges. The title refers to both the dangerous coastline and the deadly experiences faced by convicts. Hughes provides a comprehensive account of the social, political, and personal impacts of colonization, illustrating how this "dangerous shore" shaped modern Australia through hardship, resilience, and transformation.