Exploration

Fiji and The Fijians (1835-1856) – G.C. Henderson

A first edition on Henderson’s book on Fiji and the Fijians a volume published to elucidate the Journal of Rev Thomas Williams who has spent the period !840-1853 as a Missionary in Fiji. Williams being regraded as the principal authority on the state if society among Fijians when European first came upon them.

Published by Angus and Robertson, Sydney in 1931.

Large octavo, 33 pages nicely illustrated throughout with images from early engravings, early photographs and charts. Very good condition and with the author’s “Compliments”’ stamp on the end paper ad his manuscript note “To dear old Jeff – from the Author”

A very useful Preface sets the scene and purpose for the book. The first chapter proper refers to the “Mitchellian Manuscripts” the Williams Journal and paper held at the Mitchell … and other primary materials held elsewhere including in the UK. Very good chapters on the Discovery of Fiji … the Duff, James cook and often overlooked Bellingshausen among them. The Bellingshausen journals had yet to be translated to English at the date of this book. The work then moves on to a description of the archipelago, centres of interest and the people. Mission work, medical practices and a chapter on Ono-I-Lau first visited by Calvert. Language and literature etc etc.

Well written account regarding an important historical period. A very good copy.

$120.00

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Journals of Expeditions in Van Diemen’s Land 1833 – John Charles Darke – Sullivan’s Cove Delicacy

A delightful limited edition by Sullivan’s Cove published in 1985. Number 20 of 175 copies. Charming fine gift like quality. Darke’s manuscripts are held by the Tasmanian State Library. Protected in semi-translucent mylar wrap as issued .. not shown here only because it does not photograph well … everything in fine condition.

A diminutive 43 pages Darke’s expeditions are set out in three reports … first, To the Peak of Teneriffe in 1833, second South West of the Peak and finally “Hobart Town Report”’ all dated 1833.

There is an interesting editors note the “Peak of Teneriffe” is Wyld’s Craig and the “Derwent’ variously referred to is in fact the River Nive.

Beautiful things often come in small packages

Posted may well be reduced on this item ..

$60.00

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Sea of Dangers – Captain Cook and His Rivals- Geoffrey Blainey

A modern book by our choices but a special one by academic author Geoffrey Blainey.

Published by Viking, Melbourne in 2008 a first edition. Large octavo, 420 pages, nicely illustrated and in fine near new condition. A substantial book.

Blainey interestingly writes a co-mingled account of the first voyage of James Cook where he discovers the eastern coastline of Australia when at the same time Frenchman Jean de Surville was in the Pacific looking for a supposed Pacific based Jewish colony.

It is suggested that de Surville was in and around Sydney in the months before Cook arrived.

Nice work – Cook not alone the French were around!

$22.00

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The Great White South or, With Scott in the Antarctic – Herbert G. Ponting

Subtitle … Being and account of Experiences with Captain Scott’s South Pole Expedition and of the Nature life of the Antarctic.

Herbert Ponting’s highly regarded and popular contribution to the heroic era library. A tenth edition 1930 having been first published in 1921 and it continued to be popular for many years to come.

Published by Duckworth , London. Octavo, 305 pages plus In Memoriam, with an introduction by Kathleen Scott which has numerous references to Scott’s diary where he praises Ponting’s abilities and contribution. Blue covers marked and pages carry some foxing, gift inscription on ffep. Altogether and acceptable copy and we feel nicely priced for the edition.

Of course this book is about the fateful Tera Nova expedition so its not without sadness at the end. The narrative as a whole is well written and a different perspective. The images sublime making the narrative come to life in a manner that could not be done otherwise.

Ponting essential Antarctic and photography.

$30.00

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Voyage to the Great South Land – Willem de Vlamingh 1696-1697 – Ed Gunter Schilder

First published in Dutch then this version in English 1985 by the Royal Australian Historical Society. Translated by C De Heer and edited by Gunter Schilder. Fine condition. Nicely illustrated with fold out map at front.

The last voyage of exploration of the Dutch East India Company which included the West Coast of Australia. Incredible research and here published extracts from letters and journals pertinent to their discoveries.

Astounding detail and a superb reference of early Australian Coastal Exploration.

$60.00

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Sir Joseph Banks – H. C. Cameron

Published by Angus and Robertson, Sydney. Octavo, 341 pages nicely illustrated. A good condition.

A second issue 1966 of Dr Hector Cameron’s important wide ranging book on Banks. Of course his Endeavour Voyage and all that came with that … his earlier years in Newfoundland .. then later in Iceland. His role in founding Kew Gardens; The Royal Society and his Presidential years; his extraordinary Natural History Collections; Merino sheep to Australia; the Board of Longitude etc etc.

Joseph Banks a lifetime of achievements

$20.00

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Fiji and The Fijians (1835-1856) – G.C. Henderson

Journals of Expeditions in Van Diemen’s Land 1833 – John Charles Darke – Sullivan’s Cove Delicacy

Sea of Dangers – Captain Cook and His Rivals- Geoffrey Blainey

The Great White South or, With Scott in the Antarctic – Herbert G. Ponting

Voyage to the Great South Land – Willem de Vlamingh 1696-1697 – Ed Gunter Schilder

Sir Joseph Banks – H. C. Cameron

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