Description
Discover a harrowing account of one of the darkest chapters in Australian history with this must-read book. In 'The Baby Farmers', author Annie Cossins unearths the chilling story of Sarah and John Makin, who were two baby farmers deeply entangled in a web of desperation and tragedy during the late 19th century. This compelling narrative shines a light on the cruel realities faced by impoverished mothers, unraveling a shocking tale filled with lost innocence, societal indifference, and moral decay.
Set in October 1892, this gripping history reveals how a one-month-old baby boy was unearthed from the Makin's backyard, leading to the discovery of twelve more buried infants across various locations. Through Cossins' vivid storytelling, reminiscent of classic literary styles, you will encounter larger-than-life characters, including the theatrical Sarah Makin and her charming yet nefarious husband, John.
This book not only narrates events that shocked Australia but also serves as a poignant exploration of maternal bonds, societal neglect, and the cold reality of baby farming. Ideal for history enthusiasts and those interested in the darker sides of human nature, 'The Baby Farmers' offers a captivating glimpse into a society grappling with its moral compass.
Order now to immerse yourself in this important historical narrative, revealing the lengths some would go to overcome poverty and despair. Free shipping on orders over $50 ensures that you can dive into this eye-opening book in no time. Enhance your literary collection with this essential piece of Australian history today!
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781743314012
Year: 2013
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Description:
'The book's power stems from its devastating details; Cossins establishes a tone so vivid it's reminiscent of Dickens.' Publishers Weekly
In October 1892, a one-month-old baby boy was found buried in the backyard of Sarah and John Makin, two wretchedly poor baby farmers in inner Sydney. In the weeks that followed, 12 more babies were found buried in the backyards of other houses in which the Makins had lived. This resulted in the most infamous trial in Australian legal history, and exposed a shocking underworld of desperate mothers, drugged and starving babies, and a black market in the sale and murder of children.
Annie Cossins pieces together a dramatic and tragic tale with larger than life characters: theatrical Sarah Makin; her smooth-talking husband, John; her disloyal daughter, Clarice; diligent Constable James Joyce, with curious domestic arrangements of his own; and a network of baby farmers stretching across the city. It's a glimpse into a society that preferred to turn a blind eye to the fate of its most vulnerable members, only a century ago.
'A very moving book.[It] brings to life the awful poverty and the immoral 'morality' of the times. conditions which broke that most sacred and powerful bond - between mother and baby - and broke the hearts of impoverished young women.' - Gabrielle Lord
'A very readable and accessible history of a terrible time. The writer has a passionate grasp of her subject and her time.' - Kerry Greenwood
'Cossins is both relentless in her search, and engrossing in her writing' - Lucy Sussex
Set in October 1892, this gripping history reveals how a one-month-old baby boy was unearthed from the Makin's backyard, leading to the discovery of twelve more buried infants across various locations. Through Cossins' vivid storytelling, reminiscent of classic literary styles, you will encounter larger-than-life characters, including the theatrical Sarah Makin and her charming yet nefarious husband, John.
This book not only narrates events that shocked Australia but also serves as a poignant exploration of maternal bonds, societal neglect, and the cold reality of baby farming. Ideal for history enthusiasts and those interested in the darker sides of human nature, 'The Baby Farmers' offers a captivating glimpse into a society grappling with its moral compass.
Order now to immerse yourself in this important historical narrative, revealing the lengths some would go to overcome poverty and despair. Free shipping on orders over $50 ensures that you can dive into this eye-opening book in no time. Enhance your literary collection with this essential piece of Australian history today!
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781743314012
Year: 2013
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Description:
'The book's power stems from its devastating details; Cossins establishes a tone so vivid it's reminiscent of Dickens.' Publishers Weekly
In October 1892, a one-month-old baby boy was found buried in the backyard of Sarah and John Makin, two wretchedly poor baby farmers in inner Sydney. In the weeks that followed, 12 more babies were found buried in the backyards of other houses in which the Makins had lived. This resulted in the most infamous trial in Australian legal history, and exposed a shocking underworld of desperate mothers, drugged and starving babies, and a black market in the sale and murder of children.
Annie Cossins pieces together a dramatic and tragic tale with larger than life characters: theatrical Sarah Makin; her smooth-talking husband, John; her disloyal daughter, Clarice; diligent Constable James Joyce, with curious domestic arrangements of his own; and a network of baby farmers stretching across the city. It's a glimpse into a society that preferred to turn a blind eye to the fate of its most vulnerable members, only a century ago.
'A very moving book.[It] brings to life the awful poverty and the immoral 'morality' of the times. conditions which broke that most sacred and powerful bond - between mother and baby - and broke the hearts of impoverished young women.' - Gabrielle Lord
'A very readable and accessible history of a terrible time. The writer has a passionate grasp of her subject and her time.' - Kerry Greenwood
'Cossins is both relentless in her search, and engrossing in her writing' - Lucy Sussex