Kindly sent in and written by Dr. Richard Tuffin
After nearly three years of careful gestation, the latest ASHA book has hit the shelves. Magisterially titled, Recovering Convict Lives: A Historical Archaeology of the Port Arthur Penitentiary, it is sure to be filling stockings this Christmas. Wrought with love by Richard Tuffin, David Roe, Sylvana Szydzik, E.Jeanne Harris and Ashley Matic, the book concerns one of the largest ever excavations of an Australian convict site – Port Arthur’s Penitentiary precinct. Eschewing a focus on the minutiae of archaeological process, Recovering Convict Lives weaves together historical and archaeological narratives to present a story for general readers and archaeologists alike. Extensively illustrated, it is a fascinating journey into the inner workings of the penal system and the day-to-day lives of Port Arthur convicts. Find out more here.