Encountering Terra Australis

Encountering Terra Australis traces the parallel lives and voyages of the explorers Flinders and Baudin, as they travelled to Australia and explored the coastline of mainland Australia and Tasmania. Unusually, the book takes its lead from the voyages of Baudin, rather than Flinders. Furthermore the authors have sourced original accounts including material which has never before been available in English. Extensively illustrated in colour and black and white.

Encountering Terra Australis traces the parallel lives and voyages of the explorers Flinders and Baudin, as they travelled to Australia and explored the coastline of mainland Australia and Tasmania. Unusually, the book takes its lead from the voyages of Baudin, rather than Flinders, providing a rather different interpretation than those presently circulating. Furthermore the authors have worked using their own totally fresh translation of Baudin's journals, sourcing original accounts including material which has never before been available in English. Extensively illustrated in colour and black and white. Jean Fornasiero teaches French in the Centre for European Studies at Adelaide University, John West - Sooby is head of the centre and Peter Monteath is head of history at Flinders University.?

When Matthew Flinders set out in 1801 to carry out a 'complete examination and survey' of the coast of New Holland, little did he know that he would be away for over ten years. Although he did not coin the term 'Australia' he keenly advocated its use, rather than the clumsy 'Terra Australis' and will always be associated with its adoption. As well as his meticulous surveys and maps, he made many observations on ship-board life, flora and fauna, and the appearance and customs of the native peoples he encountered. Volume 1 starts with a thorough review of previous exploratory voyages to the great Southern continent, and then proceeds to describe the first part of his journey, from Portsmouth to Port Jackson (Sydney).

Reproduction of the original: A Voyage To Terra Australis by Matthew Flinders

Early Voyages to Terra Australis, Now Called Australia by Richard Henry Major: This historical account delves into the early voyages and explorations of the Australian continent. Richard Henry Major's meticulous research and engaging narrative bring to life the journeys of famous explorers, shedding light on their challenges, discoveries, and encounters with indigenous peoples. "Early Voyages to Terra Australis" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the exploration and discovery of the Australian continent. Key Aspects of the Book "Early Voyages to Terra Australis, Now Called Australia": Exploration History: The book provides a comprehensive overview of the significant early voyages and explorations that contributed to the discovery and mapping of Australia. Indigenous Perspectives: Major's work reflects on the interactions between European explorers and the indigenous populations they encountered, offering insights into cross-cultural encounters. Geographical Discoveries: The book highlights the geographical knowledge gained through these voyages and their impact on cartography and navigational understanding. Richard Henry Major was an English historian and geographer born in 1818. He was a prominent figure in the field of cartography and geographical exploration. Major's works focused on historical geography and exploration narratives, contributing to the understanding of early voyages and their impact on world knowledge. His dedication to preserving and documenting historical accounts of exploration has made his writings invaluable to scholars and history enthusiasts.

In this edited selection of his journals, Matthew Flinders, Australia’s greatest navigator and the man who named our island continent, describes in captivating detail his epic mission to map our shores between 1796 and 1803.