Bound with an Iron Chain: The Untold Story of How the British Transported 50,000 Convicts to Colonial America - Softcover

Vaver, Anthony

Softcover

ISBN 10: 098367440X ISBN 13: 9780983674405

Publisher: Pickpocket Publishing, 2011

Synopsis

In 1723, James Bell grabbed a book from a London bookstall and started to run, but he was chased by several witnesses and was discovered hiding in a dog kennel. As punishment for his crime, Bell was loaded on a ship and sent to colonial America, where he was sold at auction as an indentured servant for a seven-year term. 

Most people know that England shipped thousands of convicts to Australia, but few are aware that colonial America was the original destination for Britain's unwanted criminals. In the 18th century, thousands of British convicts like Bell were separated from their families, chained together in the hold of a ship, and carried off to America. What happened to these convicts once they arrived? Did they eventually prosper in an environment of unlimited opportunity, or were they ostracized by other colonists and doomed to live in poverty? 

Anthony Vaver tells the stories of the petty thieves and professional criminals who were subjected to this unique punishment, and in bringing to life this forgotten chapter in American history, he challenges the way we think about immigration to early America. The book also includes an appendix with tips on researching individual convicts who were transported to America.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

"A fascinating, detailed, and eye-opening look at a little-discussed historical phenomenon."
-Devoney Looser, Professor of English and 18th-Century Studies, University of Missouri

"A skillful blend of historical accuracy and engaging narrative."
-Robert Wilhelm, MurderByGaslight.com

"This is a great book. . . . Vaver recalls to life the 50,000 colonists you were supposed to forget all about."
-Jason Zanon, ExecutedToday.com

"Read it and be absorbed by the dark side of early America."
-Lucy Inglis, GeorgianLondon.com

About the Author:

Anthony Vaver is the author of the Amazon bestselling books, Bound with an Iron Chain and Early American Criminals and writes and publishes EarlyAmericanCrime.com, a website that explores crime, criminals, and punishments from America's past. He has a Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and an M.L.S. from Rutgers University. He has never spent a night in jail, but he was once falsely accused of shoplifting.

About this edition

• Publisher: Pickpocket Publishing
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 098367440X
• ISBN 13: 9780983674405
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 358