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Great Adventures in the Circumnavigation of Australia Terra Australis 
(34 pages + 268 pages, colour plates) Available: SA Museum shop |
BOOK
COVER INFORMATION: Matthew Flinders' Great Adventures in the Circumnavigation of Australia Terra Australis Edited and Introduced by TIM FLANNERY FURTHER INFORMATION: Text Publishing Company 171 La Trobe Street Melbourne Victoria Australia Copyright 2000, This Edition 2001 A Voyage to Terra Australis was first published in 1814 Flinders, Matthew, 1774 - 1814 ISBN 1 876485 92 2 |
COMMENTS BY C.GRANT For Schools: Essential reading, giving both a useful overview and the main details of Flinders' voyages The introduction by Tim Flannery (author, scientist, director of the SA Museum) outlines the life and evaluates the achievements of Matthew Flinders, the man who is largely responsible for naming Australia and discovering its shape. The majority of the book contains edited portions of Flinders' account of his voyages (first published in 1814). Highlights include his daring early expeditions with Bass that brought recognition, appointment as Captain of the voyage of circumnavigation, the discoveries and difficulties of 1801-1803, the drive to discover and chart new coastlines, disappointment when the passage to the north was disproved, illness and death of crew members, opinions of aboriginal peoples, and the return home, with shipwreck, rescue and lengthy imprisonment. While Flinders captained and sailed upon other vessels, the 'Investigator' occupies a conspicuous role in his story. Flinders' dignified and descriptive writing style shows throughout this work. It is clear that Matthew Flinders accomplished much during his relatively short lifetime. The editor aims to allow Flinders' own writing style show through the work. |
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The Navigators  (354 pages) (Available ABC shops) |
BOOK COVER INFORMATION: The GREAT RACE between MATTHEW FLINDERS and NICOLAS BAUDIN for the NORTH-SOUTH PASSAGE through AUSTRALIA The NAVIGATORS KLAUS TOFT FURTHER INFORMATION: Duffy & Snellgrove, Sydney PO Box 177 Potts Point NSW Australia Copyright 2002 ISBN 1 876631 60 0 |
COMMENTS BY C.GRANT For Schools: Highly recommended, especially to accompany the ABC video series 'The Navigators' This book by Klaus Toft (ABC documentary producer) is based upon the ABC TV mini-series 'The Navigators'. The emphasis is upon the two captains, Flinders and Baudin, and their characters, achievements, approaches to exploration and life, ambitions and flaws. The events of the time are placed in the context of the struggle for dominance between the European super-powers, England and France. The tragedies befalling both expeditions and their captains are discussed. The book evaluates the roles of the scientists and the importance of their collections. Of particular interest is the general lack of recognition given to Captain Baudin (even in France) and the historical distortion his reputation suffered. The courses taken by each captain-navigator, and the timings involved, are treated as vital to their respective stories. The theme of the competition (or race) between the 'delegates' of the great powers (i.e. Flinders and Baudin) runs through the work. |
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The First Tourist  (72 pages, colour plates) Available from the author |
BOOK COVER INFORMATION: The First Tourist Commemorating the Bicentennary of Matthew Flinders' Voyage in the Sloop 'Norfolk' to Bribie Island and Moreton Bay 1799-1999 Margaret D.Guthrie FURTHER INFORMATION: Published by D. and M. Guthrie For further copies of this book please contact the author P.O. Box 2069, Bribie Island Qld (07) 3408 3238 AUSTRALIA ISBN No. 0-646-36977-6 1ST EDITION 1999 |
COMMENTS BY C.GRANT: For Schools: Recommended for those interested in the details of Flinders' work in SE Qld, and the Sloop Norfolk This book by Margaret Guthrie (Bribie Island resident) examines Flinders' work and approach in a particular area of interest in Australia (i.e. SE Qld). The nautical focus is the Colonial Sloop 'Norfolk'. As well as expedition details, sections of the book deal with historical background to the times (late 1700s), Matthew's brother Samuel Flinders, Bongaree (Flinders' aboriginal friend), and the cat Trim. Flinders' economical writing is supplemented by additional material from Colonel Collins. The re-creation of the 'Norfolk' expedition in 1999 by Bern Cuthbertson is also mentioned (200 years after the first visit by Flinders and his companions Samuel, Bongaree, Trim, and the crew of the 'Norfolk'). |
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Matthew Flinders: THE LIFE OF MATTHEW FLINDERS 
(538 pages, maps, B&W photos) |
BOOK COVER INFORMATION: Matthew Flinders: THE LIFE OF MATTHEW FLINDERS MIRIAM ESTENSEN FURTHER INFORMATION: First published 2002 Allen & Unwin, 83 Alexander St, Crows Nest, NSW, 2065, Australia ISBN No 1-86508 515 4 |
COMMENTS BY C.GRANT: For Schools: If this book can be afforded, then purchase it. While this book by Miriam Estensen is larger and more expensive than the other references, it is an excellent supplement to the books above. It has a wealth of biographical information on Matthew Flinders and those whose lives overlapped his, as well as complete expedition details. |
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CD-ROM COMMENTS BY C.GRANT: For Schools: Great value, fun to use, and an essential supplement to: (a) coastal landform studies (b) Matthew Flinders studies (c) school studies of geography of Australia The reference (left) by GEOSCIENCE AUSTRALIA is a double CD-ROM map set of topographic maps for all of Australia at 1:250,000 map scale (1cm = 2.5km). It is an extremely useful product, offering many helpful features (including printing and exporting of sections of maps and a location search function). Find your favourite stretch of coastline or follow Matthew Flinders' adventures on the appropriate map. It is available from NATMAP suppliers and some GPS stores. |
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CD-ROM Shown (left) is the CD-Version of the Web Site you are using now! by Col Grant You may wish to consider purchasing and using the CD-ROM of: Matthew FLINDERS & the Coastal LANDFORMS of SE Australia ISBN: 0-9750618-0-1 There are reasons for schools to use the CD-ROM version For further information on the CD Version |
