Author(s): John A Fish

Australian Studies

Captain Bligh's Journal is the most important of all of the primary documents relating to the infamous mutiny on the Bounty. Needless to say, writers-and Hollywood in its memorable Errol Flynn and Marlin Brando movie classics-have made great use of it. Up till now, however, the relationship between the Journal's official version (at The National Archives in London) and Bligh's private version (at the Mitchell Library in Sydney) has not been explored. This surprising omission is dealt with in this meticulous comparison of the two versions by John A. Fish. Very many surprising and significant differences are thus revealed, particularly those relating to the notorious Bligh's interaction with his officers and men. A full historical and bibliographical study of Bligh's three expedition journals-of the journals of the Bounty, the Resource and the Vlydt-is included. The author also scrutinises Bligh's large manuscript account of the mutiny and the voyage in the open boat, which is in the Mitchell Library and is the forerunner of Bligh's Narrative of the Mutiny (1790). The significance of this work, which is in Bligh's own hand, had not previously been fully recognised. Based on extensive research (including several close examinations of the primary sources) and a deep understanding of the relevant literature, this book will prove to be a landmark event in the history of Bligh/Bounty scholarship.