Peter Bradley is a Canberra-based author passionate about history. He became engrossed in his family’s history when he read his great-grandfather’s compelling first-hand account of surviving a shipwreck. He published the journal in 2013 as The Wreck of the SS Kanahooka.

In 2018 Peter brought that story and the stories of two other ancestors to life in Convicted, an engrossing and highly imaginative retelling of the story of a father, son and grandson, entwined with the history of Australia from the landing of the First Fleet in 1788.

Now in November 2025 Peter has released The Convict and the Compass: James Meehan‘s Untold Story. It follows the life of a little-known Australian who made a considerable contribution to New South Wales as a fledgling colony. People who love Australian history will enjoy this book.

Bradley’s writing appeals to fans of Australian history, as well as those with an interest in family history. After a career in finance, Peter’s new passion lies in uncovering the past.