John West’s History of Tasmania occupies a significant place in the historiography of the Vandemonian War. While written well within living memory, West’s treatment of the conflict reflects the conventions and preoccupations of Vandemonian literature. Like other contemporary texts, West’s history remains a problem when historians dig for real historical data.
Dr Nick Brodie delves into that conundrum, with an eye to the lingering effects of West’s account of the conflict.
Presented by the Launceston Historical Society and the Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery in March, 2023.