PDF Bound with an Iron Chain: The Untold Story of How the British Transported 50;000 Convicts to Colonial America by Anthony Vaver in History

Review

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. This is a captivating book which relates fascinating historyBy B. R. MorrisVaver captivatingly relates a relatively unknown facet of American history."Between 1700 and 1775; a total of 585;800 immigrants arrived in the 13 colonies from all over the world. About 52;200 of these immigrants were convicts and prisoners (9%). Slaves by far constituted the largest group (278;400; 47%); followed by people arriving with their freedom (151;600; 26%) and indentured servants (96;600; 18%). Note that almost three-quarters of all the people arriving in the American colonies during this time period did so without their freedom" (p. 7).As Vaver explains "transportation;" he enthralls the readers with tales of notorious criminals mixed with pathos for the more innocent caught in the flawed web of what passed for 18th Century British justice. Against a backdrop peopled with criminals like the notorious Jonathan Wild and Moll King; Vaver relates stories lesser known; such as the story of a twelve year old child; Elizabeth Howard; who; in 1728; stole a small quantity of ribbon and lace. Caught and imprisoned; Elizabeth stood trial and was convicted of felony theft: a hanging offense. While awaiting execution in Newgate prison; Elizabeth petitioned that her sentence be commuted to "transportation" to the American colonies. Her petitioned worked; and she was to be released on account of her young age. Unfortunately; Elizabeth died before she was released. (pp. 90-91 97-98).When I bought this book; I expected to read about convicts being sent to Georgia. Vaver explains the origins of that misconception and then surprisingly reveals that most convicts sent to the colonies were landed and sold in Maryland and Virginia. It's a very good and informative book. And while it's in no manner Vaver's thesis; Vaver's book should serve as a cautionary tale to those who would rely on "privatization" (free enterprise} to mete out criminal punishment.20 of 20 people found the following review helpful. Excellent and entertaining historical crime readBy Ball-FamilyThis book isn't just a wonderful read for history or genealogy buffs it's also a surprising treat for those who enjoy a good true crime story. I also highly recommend this for anyone who simply wants to read GOOD writing and learn about one of America and England's dark little secrets.Anthony Vaver keeps this book moving at a quick; enjoyable and organized pace. There was never a moment that I felt annoyed with useless; dry; or boring content; I wanted to keep reading and find out what happened next. Each historical fact was effortlessly intertwined with the real life stories of death-pardoned convicts transported to England's dumping ground - the shores of America.Finally; as a genealogist myself; I must give kudos to Mr. Vaver for doing such a find job with his Acknowledgements.Thank you for a most excellent read Mr. Vaver.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great book but Kindle edition incompleteBy Gary92This is a really good book. It is well written and appears to be well documented. Anyone interested in the colonial history of the U.S. should read this book. The author is very knowledgeable of the history of crime in Britain in the 18th century and it should be of interest to those wanting to know more about that part of British history.I am not entirely happy with the Kindle edition. The Kindle edition does not contain any of the documentation that is in the paperback edition. Almost fifty pages of end-notes are missing from the Kindle edition and that should have been noted in the description of the Kindle edition. I marked down the Kindle edition from five stars to four stars for that reason.