Rendell, Mike William Bligh

That Bounty Bastard

A reassessment of William Bligh, highlighting his navigational achievements, leadership qualities and career beyond the infamous mutiny on the Bounty. William Bligh: That Bounty Bastard tells the story of a man whose reputation has been permanently ruined by his portrayal in films as a cruel and vengeful tyrant. However, the facts prove otherwise. This book sheds light on the life of a much-maligned man who was a protégé of the explorer James Cook and enjoyed the unwavering support of the botanist Sir Joseph Banks throughout his life. He was sent to Tahiti to transport breadfruit plants to the West Indies, but today he is known only for his role in the mutiny on the Bounty. Critics overlook the remarkable feat he accomplished as a navigator and leader when he brought his men to safety after a journey of more than 4,000 miles in an open boat with very limited supplies. On his second attempt, he succeeded in his breadfruit mission and gained considerable fame in the navy for his courage in battle. This earned him the prestigious appointment of Governor of New South Wales. However, this proved to be a poisoned chalice he was driven from office by a rebellion aimed at preserving the corrupt power of the army. The book also examines what happened to Fletcher Christian after he sailed the Bounty to Pitcairn, highlights the voyage of the Pandora, which brought some of the mutineers back to Britain, and deals with the subsequent court martial proceedings. This is the story of a man who was sincere, stubborn and somewhat sedate but who had astonishing outbursts of anger when provoked or hindered in the performance of his duties.