"Grounded in a familiar assortment of printed manuscripts and secondary sources, the book is comprehensive in scope, cogently written and amply detailed . The chief contribution of 'Paradise in Chains' lies in the contrast it offers in the relations between natives and newcomers." - Wall Street Journal "Ultimately, this is a book about survival, and the author engagingly recounts the nearly impossible task of trying to establish a penal colony with few supplies and poor agricultural conditions. Preston shines in her description of the true nature of Capt. Bligh . A wonderful look into the beginnings of Australia and the remarkable strength of the survivors of these dangerous voyages." - Kirkus Reviews "Tracking the paths of the infamous Bounty and of Mary Bryant, a convict transported to the New South Wales penal colony who later escaped, Preston colorfully evokes the claustrophobia and isolation faced by seafarers . Preston's heart is with the oceanic adventurers, and readers will be titillated by tales of derring-do.

" - Publishers Weekly "Preston delivers an eminently engaging account of Britain's discovering voyages to the South Pacific." - Booklist "The history lover will find much in this book. This story is an adventure on a grand scale, directed by powerful institutions but told in the actions of colorful characters." - The New York Journal of Books "History at its best: lively, vivid and thorough. Author Diana Preston delivers that rare combination of incredible research with clear writing to produce a book that holds your attention and makes you want to keep reading well into the night." - Michael J. Tougias, New York Times bestselling author and coauthor of RESCUE ON THE BOUNTY, THE FINEST HOURS, and SO CLOSE TO HOME "Preston deftly and graphically weaves the complex stories--hitherto kept distinct--of these land, sea and air innovations into a connected narrative. For the first time, readers can grasp the mounting cognitive assault on civilians, soldiers and politicians of the curious clustering of events that spring.

" - The New York Times Book Review on A HIGHER FORM OF KILLING "[A] gripping and excellent book . Preston, whose previous books include a history of the sinking of the Lusitania, tells this grim story well. Her extensive archival research fills in the historical chronology with well-selected quotations from personal accounts of participants at every level of civilian and military life and of government." - The Washington Post on A HIGHER FORM OF KILLING.