Author: DENING, GREG
Title: Mr Bligh's Bad Language - Passion, Power and Theatre on the Bounty
Description: New York, Cambridge University Press. 1992, First Edition. (ISBN: 0521383706). Hard Cover, 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. A Fine unmarked copy with Fine dustjacket. xii + 445 pages. 45 illustrations. Captain Bligh and the voyage of the Bounty are the starting point of this new study of the famous mutiny in history, literature and film. By juxtaposing an account of the mutiny with an analysis of its evolving place in history and culture, it offers a new interpretation of the mutiny in the context of its historic and cultural representations. Beginning with an anlysis of naval life and ritual abord the Bounty, the author argues that the mutiny did not take place due to punitive violence , as Captain Bligh is shown to be one of the least violent of British Navy captains. Instead, he argues, Bligh misunderstood the theatrical nature of shipboard life, especially his role as captain. Moving to a larger stage, the book shifts to the reception of the mutiny in 18th century England. Connecting the voyage of the Bounty with the cultural exploration and revolutions of the age, Dening shows that a mythology arose almost immediately around the participants of the mutiny and their actions, a mythology that has been continually reinterpreted into 20th century literature and film. B2D. Fine/Fine.

Keywords: Captain William Bligh, Hms Bounty, Fletcher Christian, Mutiny, Pitcairn Island, History, Historical Anthropology 0521383706


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