This is a collection of excerpts from the diaries and journals of twenty-one Australian explorers. The book was edited and introduced by Kathleen Fitzpatrick, a professor of English at the University of Melbourne.
The book is divided into three sections:
- The first section, “Early Explorers,” includes excerpts from the writings of explorers such as Matthew Flinders, George Bass, and John Oxley. These explorers were responsible for charting the coastline of Australia and exploring the interior of the continent.
- The second section, “The Explorers of the Great South Land,” includes excerpts from the writings of explorers such as Charles Sturt, Ludwig Leichhardt, and Robert O’Hara Burke. These explorers were responsible for exploring the interior of Australia in search of a route to the interior sea.
- The third section, “The Explorers of the Northern Territory,” includes excerpts from the writings of explorers such as John McDouall Stuart, Ernest Giles, and David Lindsay. These explorers were responsible for exploring the Northern Territory and mapping the continent.
The book provides a valuable insight into the lives and experiences of the early Australian explorers. It also provides a glimpse into the history of Australia’s exploration and settlement.
The book was first published in 1958 by Oxford University Press. It has been reprinted several times, most recently in 1965.
Kathleen Fitzpatrick
Kathleen Fitzpatrick (1905-1990) was an Australian historian, academic, and author known for her contributions to Australian political and cultural history. She played a significant role in the development of Australian historiography and was an influential figure in the field.
Fitzpatrick was born in Victoria, Australia, and obtained her education at the University of Melbourne. She later pursued a career in academia and became a prominent historian. Her research interests spanned various aspects of Australian history, including colonialism, nationalism, and political movements.
As an author, Fitzpatrick wrote several notable books and articles that contributed to the understanding of Australian history. She explored themes such as the formation of Australian national identity, women’s roles in society, and the impact of political movements on the country’s development.
