Popular culture
The French public had already been fascinated by the explorations of La Perouse and his crew, but their complete disappearance added to the romance and intrigue of the story. The sensational tale was popularised both in France and in Britain, by several fictionalised books and plays, which explored the possible fate of the expedition.
An example from the collections of the State Library of NSW is the 1801 book below, The life of La Perouse which was later adapted for the stage.
The broadside at the bottom of the page advertises an 1827 performance of this play called The desolate island.
Get the latest Flash player to view this interactive content.
Theatre, Huntingdon. The third night of Messrs. Parsloe & Howel's performance...Friday evening the 10th, of August 1827
Broadside, MRB/ Q7