Lachlan Macquarie: his life, adventures and times

2010 marks 200 years since Lachlan Macquarie arrived in New South Wales as Lieutenant Governor, a post he held until February 1822. This detailed biography, written by M H Ellis, was first published in 1947. In 2010 the book has been republished with a new introduction. Ellis, in great detail, describes events in Macquarie's life including his first career was in the army in India. Macquarie arrived in Australia after Bligh had been deposed and the military had been in control of the colony for several years. His time in New South Wales was to restore stability to the colony and promote its growth though many of his projects were criticised by the 'gentry' of the colony who opposed his appointment of emancipists in positions of trust. One of the emancipists who benefited from Macquarrie's time in New South Wales was Simeon Lord. Macquarie's name is commemorated in the naming of many important sites and institutions in Australia. Ellis undertook many years of research before writing this book and provides a detailed list of resources for each chapter. It is not necessarily an easy book to read however it is an important contribution to the early history of Australia.