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Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of Australia — Volume 1   By: (1793?-1856)

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Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of Australia — Volume 1 by Phillip Parker King is an engaging and detailed account of the author's explorations along the Australian coastline. King's writing is clear and descriptive, allowing the reader to easily visualize the landscapes, people, and wildlife encountered during the survey mission.

The book provides valuable insights into the early mapping and exploration of Australia, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of navigating unknown waters. King's meticulous record-keeping and attention to detail offer a wealth of information for historians, geographers, and anyone with an interest in Australian maritime history.

One of the highlights of the book is King's interactions with the indigenous peoples of Australia, providing a rare glimpse into their customs and way of life. His observations are both respectful and enlightening, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of cultural exchange and colonial encounters.

Overall, Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of Australia — Volume 1 is a must-read for anyone interested in Australian exploration and history. King's narrative is both educational and entertaining, making it a valuable addition to any historical library.

First Page:

NARRATIVE OF A SURVEY

OF THE

INTERTROPICAL AND WESTERN

COASTS OF AUSTRALIA.

PERFORMED BETWEEN

THE YEARS 1818 AND 1822.

BY

CAPTAIN PHILLIP P. KING, R.N., F.R.S., F.L.S.,

AND MEMBER OF THE ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY OF LONDON.

WITH AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING VARIOUS SUBJECTS RELATING TO HYDROGRAPHY AND NATURAL HISTORY.

IN TWO VOLUMES, ILLUSTRATED BY PLATES, CHARTS, AND WOOD CUTS.

VOLUME 1.

PREFACE.

THE rapidly increasing importance to which the English Colonies in Australia have now arrived, rendering every subject connected with that extensive continent of the greatest interest, whether in respect to its geography, or the extraordinary assemblage of its animal and vegetable productions, has induced me to publish such parts of my Journal as may be useful to accompany the Atlas of the Charts of the Coast recently published by the Board of Admiralty.

One of the results of this voyage has been the occupation of Port Cockburn, between Melville and Bathurst Islands on the North Coast, and the formation of an establishment there which cannot fail to be productive of the greatest benefit to our mercantile communications with the Eastern Archipelago, as well as to increase the influence and power of the mother country in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans; and in contemplating this new extension of her possessions, I cannot avoid recalling to mind a curious and prophetic remark of Burton, who, in alluding to the discoveries of the Spanish navigator Ferdinando de Quiros (Anno 1612), says: "I would know whether that hungry Spaniard's discovery of Terra Australis Incognita, or Magellanica, be as true as that of Mercurius Britannicus, or his of Utopia, or his of Lucinia... Continue reading book >>


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