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Encountering Terra Australis: The Australian Voyages of Nicolas Baudin and Matthew Flinders
The parallel lives and voyages of the explorers Flinders and Baudin as they traveled to Australia and explored the coastline of mainland Australia and Tasmania are traced in this comparative history. Unlike most historical accounts that follow Flinders's travels, this takes its lead from the voyages of Baudin and then juxtaposes the two voyages with first hand accounts, charts, and illustrations that compare and contrast the "Anglo" and "Franco" interpretations. A complex and fascinating tale is woven, one that is steeped in the language and the imagery of a unique period of world exploration.
412 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 19, 2016
Encountering Terra Australis is a beautiful book: it’s obviously thoroughly researched and academically impressive but it’s printed on expensive paper and has many full colour and B/W reproductions of lovely artworks made on the voyage to entice the general reader. The first chapter ‘The Lure of the South’ traces the antecedents of these two voyages so significant to the history of Australia. It explains the rivalry between France and Britain, and illuminates the behind-the-scenes persuasions that facilitated funding for the expeditions. But it also makes a case for recognition that the meetings of these men – who were motivated by personal ambition and scientific curiosity -
were marked by cordiality and respect. The ugly international politics of their day should by rights have pulled them apart, but the spirit of science that drove them both on long and dangerous voyages united them. If there is much in the stories …that gives expression to the bitter rivalries of their day, there is also in the character of these two remarkable men a nobility of spirit that both defines their age and transcends it. (p13)
In this period Britain and France were imperial adversaries. Napoleon was rampaging around not just in Europe, and the Brits were keen to recover from the loss of the American colonies in 1783. There were clear economic and military advantages - not to mention world prestige and one-upmanship - in extending dominions into the unknown southern stretches of the globe, but the men who led these expeditions were inspired by the Enlightenment. Flinders prided himself on his skill as a map-maker contributing to world knowledge, and Baudin’s interest was that of a scientific voyager and chronicler. Both were more interested in the discoveries they might make than in making geo-political gains for their respective empires. The achievement of Encountering Terra Australis is that the authors analyse the foibles, flaws and merits of these men to ensure that their reputations are based on the historical record and to give them their rightful place in the history of exploration and science.
To read the rest of my review please visit http://anzlitlovers.com/2012/03/07/en...
were marked by cordiality and respect. The ugly international politics of their day should by rights have pulled them apart, but the spirit of science that drove them both on long and dangerous voyages united them. If there is much in the stories …that gives expression to the bitter rivalries of their day, there is also in the character of these two remarkable men a nobility of spirit that both defines their age and transcends it. (p13)
In this period Britain and France were imperial adversaries. Napoleon was rampaging around not just in Europe, and the Brits were keen to recover from the loss of the American colonies in 1783. There were clear economic and military advantages - not to mention world prestige and one-upmanship - in extending dominions into the unknown southern stretches of the globe, but the men who led these expeditions were inspired by the Enlightenment. Flinders prided himself on his skill as a map-maker contributing to world knowledge, and Baudin’s interest was that of a scientific voyager and chronicler. Both were more interested in the discoveries they might make than in making geo-political gains for their respective empires. The achievement of Encountering Terra Australis is that the authors analyse the foibles, flaws and merits of these men to ensure that their reputations are based on the historical record and to give them their rightful place in the history of exploration and science.
To read the rest of my review please visit http://anzlitlovers.com/2012/03/07/en...
January 23, 2018
A very solidly researched book which restores French explorer Baudin's place in history and his reputation. A good reminder of the power of those who write history and the importance of staying alive long enough to write your own as Baudin's achievements were downplayed by expedition colleagues who officially reported on the voyage after he died.
The parallels between Baudin's and Flinders' explorations are remarkable - they even actually 'ran into' each other at sea. But then again, there were a lot of ships on the high seas at the time.
Unlike another reviewer's copy, my reprinted second edition paperbark does not have colour illustrations, but still fascinating to see the black and white drawings of similar things from both voyages side by side, and read accounts of similar interactions and experiences.
The opening prefaces put me off at first but it was worth continuing to learn about an untold story. And now I have a clearer idea where our French place names come from.
The parallels between Baudin's and Flinders' explorations are remarkable - they even actually 'ran into' each other at sea. But then again, there were a lot of ships on the high seas at the time.
Unlike another reviewer's copy, my reprinted second edition paperbark does not have colour illustrations, but still fascinating to see the black and white drawings of similar things from both voyages side by side, and read accounts of similar interactions and experiences.
The opening prefaces put me off at first but it was worth continuing to learn about an untold story. And now I have a clearer idea where our French place names come from.
May 2, 2024
I'd score a 3.5. Very interesting when I finally got into it. I loved Baudin's dry sense of humour in his logs, which contrasted with Flinders' more formal reports. Glad to have discovered the importance of both their journeys. I was happy to read they both had positive outlooks when dealing with the local inhabitants. Sadly, this didn't continue with settlement. A good read overall.
July 6, 2020
A very good book that is much more interesting and dramatic for contrasting these two explorers rather than telling their stories separately.
October 13, 2016
Started reading this back in Australia in 2014... a work in progress.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews