Empire of Rum
Ylia Callan
This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.
Empire of Rum – The Unofficial Economy of Early Australia is a gripping journey through the colony’s most intoxicating secret: that rum, not coin, built Australia.
In the fledgling settlement of New South Wales, alcohol was more than a drink - it was money, power and survival. From the notorious Rum Corps to the only successful military coup in Australian history, this audiobook brings to life the corruption, rebellion, and everyday struggles that flowed through the barrels of rum.
But the story doesn’t stop in the past. Linking colonial rum trading to modern Australia, this powerful work shows how alcohol still fuels crime, family breakdown and an overwhelmed justice system.
Part history, part social critique, Empire of Rum pulls no punches in exposing how alcohol became and remains a currency of control.
Perfect for listeners of Australian history, true crime and social justice narratives.
Duration - 1h 57m.
Author - Ylia Callan.
Narrator - Digital Voice Chris G.
Published Date - Monday, 27 January 2025.
Copyright - © 2025 Ylia Callan ©.
Location:
United States
Description:
This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Empire of Rum – The Unofficial Economy of Early Australia is a gripping journey through the colony’s most intoxicating secret: that rum, not coin, built Australia. In the fledgling settlement of New South Wales, alcohol was more than a drink - it was money, power and survival. From the notorious Rum Corps to the only successful military coup in Australian history, this audiobook brings to life the corruption, rebellion, and everyday struggles that flowed through the barrels of rum. But the story doesn’t stop in the past. Linking colonial rum trading to modern Australia, this powerful work shows how alcohol still fuels crime, family breakdown and an overwhelmed justice system. Part history, part social critique, Empire of Rum pulls no punches in exposing how alcohol became and remains a currency of control. Perfect for listeners of Australian history, true crime and social justice narratives. Duration - 1h 57m. Author - Ylia Callan. Narrator - Digital Voice Chris G. Published Date - Monday, 27 January 2025. Copyright - © 2025 Ylia Callan ©.
Language:
English
Opening Credits
Duration:00:00:11
Introduction – Rum, Power and the Long Shadow
Duration:00:03:26
Chapter 1 – A Currency Without Coins
Duration:00:05:06
Chapter 2 – The Rise of the Rum Corps
Duration:00:05:04
Chapter 3 – Major Grose and the Military Oligarchy
Duration:00:06:08
Chapter 4 – Rum as Currency: The Company Town Model
Duration:00:07:00
Chapter 5 – John Macarthur: Ambition and Intrigue
Duration:00:07:21
Chapter 6 – The Rum Rebellion
Duration:00:06:48
Chapter 7 – Governor Macquarie and the Aftermath
Duration:00:05:45
Chapter 8 – The Legacy of Rum in Modern Australia
Duration:00:06:29
Chapter 9 – Alcohol and the Modern Criminal and Family Law Systems
Duration:00:06:32
Chapter 10 – A Nation That Drinks
Duration:00:05:05
Chapter 11 – Alcohol and Crime
Duration:00:05:09
Chapter 12 – Alcohol and Family Breakdown
Duration:00:04:43
Chapter 13 – The Broken Family Law System
Duration:00:04:30
Chapter 14 – The Criminal Justice Machine
Duration:00:04:56
Chapter 15 – The Business of Dysfunction
Duration:00:04:46
Chapter 16 – Contemporary Solutions and Social Reform
Duration:00:05:44
Chapter 17 – Health Effects of Alcohol
Duration:00:04:23
Conclusion – From Rum Corps to Courtrooms
Duration:00:05:20
Forward
Duration:00:10:41
References
Duration:00:02:39