For the Term of His Natural Life
by Marcus CLARKE
- Used
- Paperback
- Condition
- Very Good+
- ISBN 10
- 1876930004
- ISBN 13
- 9781876930004
- Seller
-
Haddon Heights, New Jersey, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Synopsis
For the Term of His Natural Life, written by Marcus Clarke, was published in the Australian Journal between 1870 and 1872 (as His Natural Life), appearing as a novel in 1874. It is the best known novelisation of life as a convict in early Australian history. Described as a "ripping yarn", and at times relying on seemingly implausible coincidences, the story follows the fortunes of Rufus Dawes, a young man transported for a murder which he did not commit.
Reviews
"We convicts have the advantage over you gentlemen. You are afraid of death; we pray for it. It is the best thing that can happen to us. Die! They were going to hang me once. I wish they had. My God, I wish they had!"
For The Term Of His Natural Life is the best-known novel by Australian author, Marcus Clarke. It was first published in 1874, although it began as a serialised novel titled His Natural Life, published in the Australian Journal. Text Publishing have produced a handsome volume under their Text Classics banner.
There are significant differences in the plot between the original (unabridged) edition and later editions of this novel; the first book has been reduced to a prologue; the text has been condensed into a much more readable form, and much of the (frankly, boring and often unimportant) detail has been omitted; and the ending is completely different. Thus, for example, in excess of 150 pages of book 2 of the original edition are reduced to a much more manageable 75 pages in this edition.
Clarke managed to pack a lot into his novel: perhaps as it began in serialised form, each episode needed some drama: a parental estrangement, a very rich will, a secret identity, a wrongful conviction, transport on a convict ship, a mutiny, another wrongful conviction, flogging, suicide attempts, multiple escape attempts (at least one involving cannibalism), another mutiny, abandonment on a deserted shore, the construction of a coracle, yet another wrongful conviction, many years of penal servitude, the claiming of an inheritance by an imposter, quite a few confessions and a shipwreck.
This novel has been described as the Australian Count of Monte Cristo and while it is considered an Australian Classic, as historical fiction, it is not really up to the standard of Dumas's writing. The most exciting chapters, by far, are those detailing the escape from Port of Arthur of convict, John Rex. It is filled with improbable coincidences, and while he draws on many real occurrences in Tasmania's history, Clarke's emphasis is on the cruelty of convict life. Rufus Dawes is one very unlucky man!
This book will appeal to those who enjoy Australian historical fiction written from the closer perspective of fifty years as opposed to almost one hundred and fifty. A map of the relevant parts would have been helpful, but Wikipedia serves equally, these days. Text Classics include an introduction by author, Rohan Wilson and an evocative cover by the talented WH Chong. A beautiful edition of an Aussie Classic.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Glading Hill Emporium (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- biblio1549-311
- Title
- For the Term of His Natural Life
- Author
- Marcus CLARKE
- Format/Binding
- Paperback
- Book Condition
- Used - Very Good+
- Quantity Available
- 1
- ISBN 10
- 1876930004
- ISBN 13
- 9781876930004
- Publisher
- Victorian Book Wholesalers P/l
- Place of Publication
- Melbourne
- Date Published
- 2009
- Bookseller catalogs
- Nonfiction;
Terms of Sale
Glading Hill Emporium
We ensure to accurately describe the quality of our books (Brand New, Very Good, Fair, etc.). We scrutinize each book thoroughly prior to posting for sale, and again immediately before shipping. Therefore, neither the method of shipping nor the quality of our books is an issue. We do, however, offer the following remedies within 10 days of a customer receiving any item(s) shipped by us. Upon prior approval by e-mail, in the following circumstances we will: 1) Wrong Title Sent- the buyer may return the book for a full refund of book purchase price and original shipping cost, plus the cost of return USPS Media Mail postage and inexpensive padded envelope (not to exceed $2.50 total for return shipping cost); 2) Incorrect Stated Condition of Item- the buyer may return the book for a full refund of book purchase price and original shipping cost.
About the Seller
Glading Hill Emporium
About Glading Hill Emporium
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Good+
- A term used to denote a condition a slight grade better than Good.