The Explorers

by William Joy

Shakespeare Head Press, 1964, [First Edition], black and white photographic plates, black and white illustrations in text, illustrated end papers (maps), black and white photographic frontispiece, hardcover, dustjacket

Very Good Condition, a little rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, age toned pages, dustjacket shows a little edge and shelf wear with a little rubbing, bumping, chipping, creasing and small tears (see photographs)

“The Explorers deals briefly with events leading to the discovery of Australia, then relates in graphic detail the heroism, triumphs and sufferings of the explorers who blazed the trail across the great sub-continent and laid it open for settlement.  William Joy went back to the original diaries of eh explorers for details of the hazards they overcame in river, marsh, mountain and desert, and to contemporary newspapers for evidence given before various committees of inquiry that investigated the tragedies and administered rebukes when explorers and others exceeded their powers in clashes with aborigines.
An interesting section of the book is devoted to the inquiry into the action of Surveyor-General Mitchell in ambushing natives on the Murray River.  Mitchell, who was virtually on trial, appeared to glory in the clash, thanked God for it, defied the popular agitation and was rapped over the knuckles by the Governor.
The author also devotes some chapters to the adventures and perils of the settlers, overlanders and gold fossickers who played an important part in opening up the nearly three million square miles of Australia.”