num_pages: 460
description: Captain Bligh and the mutiny on the Bounty have become proverbial in their capacity to evoke the extravagant and violent abuse of power. But William Bligh was one of the least violent disciplinarians in the British navy. It is this paradox that inspired Greg Dening to ask why the mutiny took place. His book explores the theatrical nature of what was enacted in the power-play on deck, on the beaches of Tahiti and in the murderous settlement at Pitcairn, on the altar stones and temples of sacrifice, and on the catheads from which men were hanged. Part of the key lies in the curious puzzle of Mr Bligh's bad language.
language: English
title: Mr Bligh's Bad Language: Passion, Power and Theatre on the Bounty
titlecomplete: Mr Bligh's Bad Language: Passion, Power and Theatre on the Bounty
genres: Collections, Australia, Nonfiction, History
ratings_count: 109
awards: awardedAt: 725875200000
name: Victorian Premier's Literary Award
category: Nettie Palmer Prize for Non-Fiction
publisher: Cambridge University Press