Lucinda

Lucinda: Midwife at the Birth of Australia delivers a compelling, vivid dive into the high-stakes human drama behind Australia’s nationhood.

Set in 1891, the narrative exposes the untold story of three powerhouse founding fathers—Griffith, Barton, and Kingston—who escaped political chaos in Sydney to draft Australia's constitution aboard the stately Queensland steam yacht Lucinda, anchored in the Hawkesbury River.

Moving far beyond dry legal texts, Everald Compton explores the political horse-trading, deep personal rivalries, and profound moral compromises that shaped the new federation. The book unflinchingly scrutinises the systemic omissions of the era, from the explicit exclusion of First Nations peoples to the sidelining of women in political life.

Compelling, candid, and deeply practical, Lucinda blends sharp historical insight with a passionate call to action, challenging modern Australians to reclaim their history, reform their constitution, and honour the peaceful, conversational origins of their country.

Finally, Compton laments the eventual sinking of Lucinda and calls for a replica to be built, advocating for her to become as vital a symbol of democracy to Australians as the Liberty Bell is to Americans.