THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS’ DIARIES PROJECT INC.
Among Wild Animals and People in Australia
by Eric Mjoberg, translated by Margareta Luotsinen and Kim Akerman.
ISBN 978-0-85905-507-9, (New 2012), Casebound, dj, illustrated, 362pp, 1.1 kg,
$95.00* + POST
From October 1910 to August 1911 biologist Erik Mjoberg and his seven man Swedish team travelled by bullock wagon through the West Kimberley collecting invertebrates, birds, mammals, and ethnographic research material.
Closing in on the Kimberley. 1819-1884.
Exploration of Western Australia’s Kimberley Region and the Adjoining Victoria River District of Northern territory.
Edited by Ned Overton.
ISBN 978-0-85905-950-3, (New, 2022), 165 x 240, casebound, 730 pages, heavily illustrated, with maps. Fully indexed, 2kg, $220.00*
A magnificent volume on the early exploration of the Kimberley and NT Victoria River region. Little known expeditions and explorers. Contains the near complete suite of geologist E.T. Hardman’s sketches and watercolours.
This volume documents the interplay between 1819–1884 of exploration of the Kimberley region and adjoining Victoria River District. From early on, expeditions established different settlement patterns between Kimberley’s eastern and western halves.
Main categories of exploration included appraisal of pastoral lands, topographical, hydrographical and geological surveys and prospecting for precious metals. All but prospecting generally yielded detailed reports, commonly in diary format, mostly with maps of varying accuracy, some in colour. These records are compiled here.
One noteworthy feature of this first Kimberley volume – from an era predating printed photographs – is a collection of Edward Hardman’s 1883–84 watercolour and pastel sketches, many of them full-page, together with the copied etchings. Another highlight is a full translation of the shorthand diary of John Pentecost, ‘Stumpy’ Durack’s 1882 expedition navigator.
All the precursors of Western Australia’s first gold rush are documented; the rush was about to begin.
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS’ DIARIES PROJECT INC.
Desert, Drought and Death
The Border Exploration Syndicate Expedition to the Rawlinson Range 1899 – 1900
by Henry William Hill (edited by Mark Chambers and Peter J. Bridge)
ISBN 978-0-85905-383-9, (2009 new), case bound, dust jacketed, 158pp, illustrated, 465 grams
$70.00* + POST
Following reports of gold in the far-off Rawlinson Range an expedition was organized by the Border Exploration Syndicate. This book is the story of the expedition as written by the leader, Henry W. Hill.
DUE NORTH
The Exploration of the North West of Western Australia.
By Peter J. Bridge and the WA Explorers’ Diaries Project.
ISBN 978-0-85905-837-7, (New 2021), 892 pages, 160x240, illustrated, +2kg $160. 00*
The most important book on the NW for a century. Contains all the exploration diaries for the NW from 1861 to circa 1900. Important first contact material. Illustrated with maps and photographs of the explorers with their biographies.
Postage will be $15.70 or Sendle metro area $11.90
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS’ DIARIES PROJECT INC.
Evidences of an Inland Sea
by George Fletcher Moore with an introduction by JMR Cameron
ISBN 978-0-85905-407-2, (2008 R+N 1837), 80pp, illust., Hard Cover, dj, 310grams
$60.00*+ POST
George Fletcher Moore's Evidences of an Inland Sea, published in Dublin in January 1837, details an important chapter in the history of Australian exploration. Its purpose was to demonstrate the existence of a large sea or lake inland from Perth. Moore, Western Australia's advocate-general, based his claim on evidence gathered during explorations beyond the Avon River to the east and as far north as the Moore River in the previous year. He also drew heavily on information provided by his Aboriginal companions for they had seen and heard of country he had yet to explore.
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS’ DIARIES PROJECT INC.
Exploration Eastwards 1860-1869
Edited by Peter Bridge and Kim Epton. (WAEDP series.)
ISBN 978-0-85905-701-1, (New, 2018), casebound, section sewn, illustrated, maps, indexed, 576 pages, 1.5kg
$115.00* + POST
Contains some 30 expeditions including Lefroy and CC Hunt with appendices on the plants by Alex George and animals by Ian Abbott. Biographical notes on all known expedition members. Resolves the problems of the 'convicts gold' and Hunt's unknown convict helpers.
This is a very small run which will ensure future scarcity.
The companion volume 1869-1896 will go to the printers in July.
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS’ DIARIES PROJECT INC.
The Finest Goldfields in the World
The Austin Expedition to the Murchison in 1854
Edited by Peter J Bridge, Kim Epton, Marion Hercock and Sheryl Milentis, with the members of the Western Australian Explorers’ Diaries Project, and with an introduction by Professor J.M.R. Cameron.
ISBN 978-0-85905-018-0, (2009 new), casebound, dust jacketed, 240pp, illustrated, 610 grams
$80.00*+ POST
Published in association with Mark G. Creasy.
In 1854 Robert Austin led an expedition east and then north to the Murchison River. Disasters from a gun accident, poison plants, and thirst assailed them. After many tribulations they reached the Geraldine Mine on the Lower Murchison over two months later. Their exploration inspired others to prospect the desert for both grass and gold, culminating in the opening of the area in the 1880s, and the finding of rich goldfields. More than 150 years after his difficult and perilous journey Austin is now placed among the premier explorers of the Australian outback.
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS’ DIARIES PROJECT INC.
In Savage Australia
by Knut Dahl
ISBN 978-0-85905-633-5, (1926 R 2016), 240 x 160, 372pp, Hardcover, dj, indexed, illustrated, 1.1 kg
$96.00* + POST
Knut Dahl led expeditions into the NT and Kimberley in 1894-96. In Savage Australia was first published in English in 1926 but is not well known despite his interesting biological work and pertinent comments on the social habits of all races.
Dahl was a biologist with a wide knowledge and interest. Ian Abbot has written the Foreword and an appendix on the fauna described by Dahl. This is the latest volume in the Western Australian Explorers' Diaries Project and an essential reference for anyone interested in northern Australia.
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS’ DIARIES PROJECT INC.
The Journal of the Brockman Droving Expedition of 1874-75 to the North of Western Australia
Edited by Nan Broad with Peter Bridge
ISBN 0 85905 366 0, (2006 New), Hard Cover, Dust Jacket, 177pp, illustrated, 475 grams
$60.00* + POST
The story of one of the greatest early stock droves in Australia.
In 1874 John Brockman answered the call to assist the Clarkson droving party, stranded on the Murchison River in drought conditions.
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS’ DIARIES PROJECT INC.
Journal of the Elder Scientific Exploring Expedition 1891-1892
David Lindsay
Edited by Peter J. Bridge, Calliope Bridge and Celene Bridge
ISBN 978-0-85905-658-8, (Reprint 1893 + New 2018), Casebound, section sewn, illustrated - b&w and colour, maps, indexed, 397 pages, 1.08 kg,
$105.00* + POST
With appendices on the plants by Alex George and animals by Ian Abbott, reported by the expedition. Also the full Anthropology report by Richard Helms which has not been available for over a century, which contains 6 colour plates and many b&w photos. Biographies of all the men.
This is a very small run which will ensure future scarcity.
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS’ DIARIES PROJECT INC.
Narrative of an Expedition of Exploration in North–Western Australia
by Herbert Basedow with an introduction by David Kaus
ISBN 978-0-85905-453-9, (2009 R+N 1918), 259pp, Hard Cover, dj, illustrated, 635grams
$80.00* + POST
In 1916 scientist and explorer, Dr Herbert Basedow, was requested by the Government to examine a remote Kimberley prospect for the strategic tungsten mineral, scheelite.
His journal of the expedition describes in detail the geology. flora, fauna and Aboriginals of the west coast of the Kimberley frontier and the Wyndham area.
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS’ DIARIES PROJECT INC.
Samuel Grau Hubbe and the South Australia to Western Australia Stock Route Expedition 1895-1896.
SG Hubbe. Edited by Andrew Guy Peake.
ISBN 978-0-85905-680-9, (New, 2018), casebound, section sewn, illustrated, maps, indexed, 296 pages, .855 kg
$95.00* + POST
Contains the official and private journals of Hubbe and John Mahar. Biographical notes on the men of the expedition.
This is a very small run which will ensure future scarcity.
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS’ DIARIES PROJECT INC.
To the Golden Land. Exploration to the Eastwards 1869-1896
by Peter J. Bridge and associates. With an Introduction by J.M.R Cameron.
ISBN 978-0-85905-704-2, (New, 2019), 160 x 240mm, 712 pp, colour and black and white illustrations, maps, indexed, hard cover, 2kg+, $140.00* + POST
An important contribution to the history of WA covering all that periods 65 expeditions, including many that were previously unknown. Includes for the first time all the colour plates of Forrest in the 1870s. More than 150 illustrations and maps.
Like our other Exploration Diaries this will become the basic reference in this field. Due to the poisoned arrows of our economy the edition is small, so please do not delay ordering.
Diary. Walker Brothers Prospecting Expedition 1913.
Edited and annotated by by Jeremy Long and David Nash.
ISBN 978-0-85905-727-1, (New, 2022), 165 x 240, casebound, 180 pages, well illustrated in colour, with maps, indexed, 600grams, $90.00*
The annals of Australian land exploration include many expeditions remembered for misfortune, inexperience, or poor bushcraft. None of this applies to the eight months in 1913 when Chris Walker (1861–1930) led his brother Arthur and two other men (Crofts and Everett) prospecting by camel from Ryan’s Well (north of Alice Springs) west and southwest to Wiluna. The aim was to investigate ‘unknown country’ between the routes of previous desert explorers. The party proceeded carefully, by scouting ahead for water before moving all the camels and equipment on from a known water source. They had no serious misadventures, and Chris Walker sent his diary and map to Canberra with its negative findings of any ‘mining or pastoral worth’. Their only backers were themselves and the Commonwealth Government, and both apparently had no interest in self-promotion. The report was eclipsed by the Great War (WWI), and although the WA section was serialised in a Perth newspaper in 1934, it has been largely overlooked.
Yet Walker’s competent journal includes numerous geological and natural history observations, and several interesting particular notes relating to Aborigines. Walker’s records are the earliest of what was later called Lake Mackay, well before the 1930 sighting by Mackay’s aerial survey.
The book includes maps, and photographs illustrating the route and the people. There are seven appendices, with biographies of the expedition members, a history of the recognition of Lake Mackay, a summary of the flora mentioned, and three indexes.
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS’ DIARIES PROJECT INC.
Western Australian Exploration
1826-1835 Volume 1
Ed. by Joanne Shoobert et. al.
ISBN 085905 351 2, (2005 new), Hard Cover, 638 pp, illustrated, maps, 1.3Kg
$96.00* [Print-run 1000.] + POST
This is one of the most significant volumes ever published in W.A. and the first of its type in Australia. Few have before attempted such a project.
It is the result of many years and tens of thousands of hours collecting, collating, typing and proofing. It will be an essential reference for all interested in W.A. history. Other volumes are in preparation.
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS’ DIARIES PROJECT INC.
Western Australian Exploration 1836 – 1845
The Letters, Reports and Journals of Exploration and Discovery in Western Australia
Ed. by Marion Hercock and Sheryl Milentis with Phil Bianchi
ISBN 978-0-85905-495-9, (2011 new),460 pages, illust, 1.4 kg
$95.00* + POST
Published by Hesperian Press with the Heritage Council of Western Australia.
Foreword by the Minister for Heritage, the Honourable Mr G.M. (John) Castrilli, MLA.
Companion volume to Western Australian Exploration Volume 1 1826–1835 and Evidences of an Inland Sea.
Western Australian Exploration 1846-1860.
Edited by Sheryl Milentis.
ISBN 978-0-85905-888-9, (New, 2022), 165 x 240, Casebound, 648 pages, well illustrated, with maps, fully indexed, 1.7 kg, $170.00*
The long awaited volume completing the explorations of the southern portions of the state.
The third and largest companion volume to Western Australian Exploration Volume 1 1826–1835 and Volume 2 1836–1845. Volume 3 has been dedicated to the Gregory brothers who undertook many of the expeditions between Albany and Champion Bay and were instrumental in opening up the Murchison to agriculture.
Each expedition has a synopsis including participants, departure and finish dates and places, an outline of the route, a summary of the journey, topographical map references and the archival sources reproduced from original reports, letters and diaries with extensive maps and images.
Includes earlier land explorations by Menzies (1791) and Flinders (1802)
Short biographical notes on the participants and footnotes. Appendices for botany and zoology with notes on fishes. A brief history on the military influences in Shark Bay. Sailing directions for Shark Bay and a detailed account of the spearing of Governor Fitzgerald.
A comprehensive index of people, places, ships with a selected general index.
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS’ DIARIES PROJECT INC.
The Western Australian Explorations of John Septimus Roe 1829-1849
edited by Marion Hercock
ISBN 978-0-85905-527-7, (2014, New), Casebound, dj, 160x240, Illustrated, 726 pp, 1.9kg
$100.00* + POST
The long awaited complete collection of Surveyor General Roe’s expeditions from the Western Australian Explorers’ Diaries Project. Contains appendices on the plants, animals, and navigation. Fully indexed.
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS’ DIARIES PROJECT INC.
“Work Completed, Canning”
A Comprehensive History of the Canning Stock Route
1906 – 2010
by Phil Bianchi
ISBN 978-0-85905-549-9, (2013 New), 724pp, 274 photos, 38 maps, casebound, dust jacket, 1kg+
$120.00* + POST
Stiffened soft cover $85.00* + POST
The story of Alfred W. Canning and the development and subsequent use of the 1800 kilometre long Canning Stock Route from Halls Creek to Wiluna is told in this new volume.