Book Review: Marine Officer, Convict Wife- The Johnstons of Annandale by Dr Alan Roberts

Abstract

I found this book enjoyable and absorbing on four levels. It is an important Australian history book dating from the First Fleet till Johnston's death in 1823 and then the subsequent development of his properties until 1905. Second, the book is enjoyable as a record of a family saga, settlers, developers and pastoralists. Next, I enjoyed the book as an account of the social development of the colony and the impact of a marine officer, ultimately a Lieutenant Colonel and his convict wife and the mother of his children who had been at the time of the First Fleet a woman milliner of Jewish origin working in London. Lastly, I found the book enjoyable as an account of a very important Scottish Australian who was always aware of his Scottish origins.