The History of Tasmania, Volume I

"The History of Tasmania, Volume I" by John West is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book explores the early history of Tasmania, including its discovery and colonization, emphasizing the contributions of various explorers and settlers to the development of the region. It aims to provide an accurate and engaging narrative that connects contemporary Tasmanians to their past. The opening of the volume sets the stage for the exploration of Tasmania’s history by detailing its discovery by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642. It outlines the challenges and efforts of early navigators and settlers, while establishing the significance of the region in British colonial history. The author acknowledges the mixed motivations behind exploration and colonization, as well as the cultural impact on Indigenous peoples, presenting a balanced view of the historical context that defines Tasmania's early colonial landscape. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John West emigrated from England to Van Diemen's Land in 1838 as a Colonial missionary, and became pastor of an Independent (Congregational) Chapel in Launceston's St. John's Square. He also co-founded The Examiner newspaper in 1842 and was later editor of The Sydney Morning Herald.