Tongerlongeter

Tongerlongeter tells the story of an Indigenous Tasmanian resistance leader who fought against British colonization in the early 19th century. The book reconstructs his life and military campaigns during a period known as the Black War. Reynolds and Clements draw on archival records, oral histories, and colonial documents to piece together the tactics and strategies Tongerlongeter used to defend his people's land. Their research examines both Indigenous and European perspectives on the conflict, providing context for the broader struggle between settlers and Aboriginal Tasmanians. The work presents Tongerlongeter not just as a warrior, but as a skilled military commander who united different clans and led one of the longest-running resistance movements against the British Empire. His story intersects with major figures and events in colonial Tasmania's history. This biography challenges conventional narratives about frontier conflict in Australia and raises questions about how military leaders are remembered based on which side of colonization they fought for. Through Tongerlongeter's story, the authors explore themes of sovereignty, resistance, and historical recognition.

Readers praise the book's focus on overlooked Aboriginal resistance and leadership during Tasmania's Black War. Multiple reviewers note it fills gaps in Australian history education. Specific comment threads highlight the detailed research and primary sources that document Tongerlongeter's strategic military campaigns. Readers appreciate the clear writing style and how the authors present complex historical events without oversimplification. Several reviews mention the effective balance between academic rigor and accessibility. Some readers found the battle descriptions repetitive and wanted more details about Tongerlongeter's personal life. A few reviews critique the limited Indigenous oral histories included. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (39 ratings) Amazon AU: 4.7/5 (16 ratings) LibraryThing: 4.25/5 (8 ratings) "This book changed my understanding of Tasmanian history" appears in multiple reader reviews. The work received the Tasmania Book Prize and Prime Minister's Literary Award for History in 2022, affirming its positive reception.

Black Resistance to British Colonial Rule in the Northern Territory by ::Timothy Jones:: The chronicle documents Indigenous Australian resistance fighters who opposed colonial expansion through guerrilla warfare tactics from 1824-1934.

The Other Side of the Frontier by Henry Reynolds A reconstruction of Aboriginal responses to colonization in Australia through examination of primary sources and oral histories.

Forgotten War by Henry Reynolds The text uncovers the conflicts between Aboriginal Australians and British settlers across the continent from 1788 to 1930.

Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe The work presents evidence of pre-colonial Aboriginal agricultural practices and permanent settlements through colonial sources and records.

The Black War by Nicholas Clements A detailed examination of the conflict between Aboriginal Tasmanians and British colonists through accounts from both sides of the frontier.

🔹 Tongerlongeter was a powerful Aboriginal resistance leader who fought against British colonizers in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) for over a decade, leading one of the longest-running military campaigns on Australian soil. 🔹 The book challenges the commonly held belief that Aboriginal resistance to colonial invasion was disorganized and ineffective, revealing sophisticated military strategies and leadership. 🔹 Co-author Henry Reynolds is one of Australia's most renowned historians, known for groundbreaking work on frontier violence and Indigenous history, and has been writing about Australian history for over 50 years. 🔹 The warriors led by Tongerlongeter managed to kill or wound nearly 200 colonists during their campaign, while suffering minimal casualties themselves through strategic guerrilla warfare tactics. 🔹 The book's publication in 2021 marked the first time Tongerlongeter's story has been told in such detail, helping to restore his place as one of Australia's greatest military leaders alongside figures like Pemulwuy and Windradyne.