Internally: Firmly bound with pages very bright and clean. Atmospheric, dreamlike, and richly evoking time and place, featuring a monumental cast of magnificently drawn, unforgettable characters, it is a work of insight, imagination, and true genius by one of the most notable names in historical fiction. Thomas Keneally began his writing career in 1964 and has published thirty novels since. Externally: Dustcover in excellent condition, with almost no signs of wear. Based on the lieutenant's real diaries, The Playmaker is a truly remarkable achievement. Relationship with tribes, especially Cadigal, and settlement of First Fleet around 1789 violent conflict capture, treatment and death of Arabanoo. Keneally paints his characters brilliantly, bringing to life the horror and difficulties for both the educated officers, far away from their homes and families, and the often shockingly ignorant convicts, whom Clark attempts to educate and 'redeem.' In a cloth binding with dustcover.

Based upon historical records, including Clark's journals and letters, this work brings to life the tragedy and horror of the period, where people could be sentenced to death or deportation for minor crimes.

This fascinating novel was the basis for Timberlake Wertenbaker's (also award winning) play 'Our Country's Good'. First edition of the historical novel about the first play to ever be performed in Australia Written by Thomas Keneally, the writer of 'Schindler's Ark' (upon which the award winning 'Schindler's List' was based), 'The Playmaker' follows Lieutenant Ralph Clark as he attempts to transform a group of convicts into a theatre troupe.

The playmaker thomas keneally