Early Voyages to Terra Australis, Now Called Australia:: A Collection of Documents, and Extracts from Early Manuscript Maps, Illustrative of the History of Discovery on the Coasts of That Vast Island, from the Beginning of the Sixteenth Century to the Time of Captain Cook.

Description

Trace the epic maritime history of Australia's discovery in Richard Henry Major's definitive compilation. This collection spans over three centuries, from the first European voyages of the 16th century through the legendary expeditions of Captain James Cook. It is an essential chronicle for anyone fascinated by the Age of Discovery and the maritime narratives that shaped the Australian continent. What sets this work apart is its inclusion of rare manuscript map extracts and primary document excerpts, offering a visual and textual window into early navigation. Rather than a simple narrative, Major curates a rich archive of the actual records—logbooks, charts, and correspondence —that document the perilous voyages and the gradual mapping of Australia's coastlines. It is a comprehensive survey of the maritime history of the region, presented with the scholarly rigor and historical depth that make it a must-have for historians, cartography enthusiasts, and students of Australian history.",