Navigating by the Southern Cross : A History of the European Discovery and Exploration of Australia

In this comprehensive study, Kenneth Morgan provides an authoritative account of European exploration and discovery in Australia. The book presents a detailed chronological overview of European interests in the Australian continent, from initial speculations about the 'Great Southern Land' to the major hydrographic expeditions of the 19th century. In particular, he analyses the early crossings of the Dutch in the 17th century, the exploits of English 'buccaneer adventurer' William Dampier, the famous voyages of James Cook and Matthew Flinders, and the little-known French annexation of Australia in 1772. Introducing new findings and drawing on the latest in historiographical research , this book situates developments in navigation, nautical astronomy and cartography within the broader contexts of imperial, colonial, and maritime history. "In this comprehensive new study, leading historian Kenneth Morgan provides an authoritative account of European exploration and discovery in Australia. Introducing new findings and drawing on the latest in historiographical research, this book situates developments in navigation, nautical astronomy and cartography within the broader contexts of imperial, colonial and maritime history"-- Provided by publisher Terra Australis Incognita -- Seventeenth-century Dutch Exploration -- Tasman's Voyages -- From Tasman to Cook -- Cook, the Endeavour and the East Coast -- French Voyages to Terra Australis -- English Voyages in the Age of Bligh and Vancouver -- Flinders and the Investigator -- Baudin's Expedition -- Phillip Parker King's Australian Surveys -- The Hydrographic Surveyors