Mr Bligh's Bad Language Passion, Poer and Theatre on the Bounty [Paperback]

An acclaimed and intriguing new interpretation of the mutiny on the Bounty.William Bligh was one of the least violent disciplinarians in the British navy. It is this paradox that inspires an analysis of the infamous voyage of the Bounty in the context of other explorations and revolutions as well as the disclosure of more startling revelations concerning the mutiny.William Bligh was one of the least violent disciplinarians in the British navy. It is this paradox that inspires an analysis of the infamous voyage of the Bounty in the context of other explorations and revolutions as well as the disclosure of more startling revelations concerning the mutiny.Captain Bligh and the mutiny on the Bounty have become proverbial in their capacity to evoke the extravagant and violent abuse of power. But William Bligh was one of the least violent disciplinarians in the British navy. It is this paradox that inspired Greg Dening to ask why the mutiny took place. His book explores the theatrical nature of what was enacted in the power-play on deck, on the beaches of Tahiti and in the murderous settlement at Pitcairn, on the altar stones and temples of sacrifice, and on the catheads from which men were hanged. Part of the key lies in the curious puzzle of Mr Bligh's bad language.List of illustrations; Acknowledgements; Prologue; Act 1. The Ship; Entr'Acte: Sharks that walk on the land; Entr'Acte: Ralph Wewitzer: The First Captain Bligh; Act 2. The Beach; Act 3. The Island; Epilogue; Notes; Reference Bibliography; Index. ...after only a short time with Mr. Bligh's Bad Language, readers will recognize that this is a truly major historical work that transcends Bligh and the Bounty voyage to confront much broader historical questions involving analysis, interpretation, and research. The Northern Mariner As a stunningly original meditation on the illusions of power and possession, Dening's study raises profound questions concerning the lessons of history and the uses of the past.lÓ'