Batavia's Graveyard: The True Story of the Mad Heretic Who Led History's Bloodiest Mutiny
Who Would Like This Book:
If you're into gripping true tales of survival, mutiny, and the dark depths of human nature, this book is an absolute page-turner. Meticulously researched and written with the narrative punch of a thriller, it shines a light on the little-known but utterly bonkers wreck of the Batavia and its descent into chaos. History buffs, true crime fans, and anyone curious about life on a 17th-century spice ship will be fascinated by the shipwreck drama, vivid characters, and the psychological unraveling that took place.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This is not for the faint of heart! The book contains graphic descriptions of violence and cruelty - many readers found it harrowing or even stomach-churning at times. If you prefer uplifting historical tales or are squeamish about depictions of mass murder and suffering, you might want to skip this one. Some also felt bogged down by the extensive historical background and wished for clearer maps, character lists, or tighter editing.
About:
'Batavia's Graveyard: The True Story of the Mad Heretic Who Led History's Bloodiest Mutiny' by Mike Dash is a harrowing true account of a mutiny and shipwreck involving the Dutch East India Company's ship Batavia in the 17th century. The story unfolds on Beacon Island near Australia, where survivors faced barbaric rule and mass killings led by a charismatic but deranged ship's officer. Dash's writing style brings to life the dreadful descent into evil of the shipwrecked survivors, highlighting the flaws in human personalities that fueled the violent events.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains graphic descriptions of violence, murder, and psychological horror, reflecting the brutal nature of the events.
From The Publisher:
In 1628 the Dutch East India Company loaded the Batavia, the flagship of its fleet, with a king's ransom in gold, silver, and gems for her maiden voyage to Java; the ship itself was a tangible symbol of the world's richest and most powerful monopoly.
The company also sent along a new employee to guard its treasure. He was Jeronimus Corneliszoon, a disgraced and bankrupt man with great charisma and dangerously heretical ideas. With the help of a few disgruntled sailors, he hatched a plot to seize the ship and her riches. The mutiny might have succeeded, but in the dark morning hours of June 3, 1629, the Batavia smashed through a coral reef and ran aground on a small chain of islands near Australia. The captain and skipper escaped the wreck, and in a tiny lifeboat they set sail for Java-some 1,500 miles north-to summon help. More than 250 frightened survivors waded ashore, thankful to be alive. Unfortunately, Jeronimus and the mutineers had survived too, and the nightmare was only beginning.
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About the Author:
Mike Dash is a historian with an MA from the University of Cambridge and a PhD from the University of London. A former professional journalist whose work has appeared in numerous national newspapers and magazines, Dash is the New York Times bestselling…
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