Description

DISCOVERY OF AUSTRALIA - A Critical, Documentary and Historic Investigation Concerning the Priority of Discovery in Australasia by Europeans before the arrival of Lieut. James Cook, in the Endeavour, in the year 1770. Golden Press. Sydney. 1983. Facsimile edition of the 1895 original. XV, 376 PP with around 100 b/w illustrations (head pirces, tail pieces, drawings, portraits, maps ...), plus 13 plates with maps (5 on double page and 8 on full page). Hard cover, dj. 32 x 25.5.

Synopsis

Title: Discovery of Australia
Author/Publisher: George Collingridge, Golden Press (Sydney)
Publication Year: 1983
Format: XV, 376-page Illustrated Hardcover with Dust Jacket

George Collingridge's 'Discovery of Australia' is a seminal work in Australian historiography, offering a profound and meticulously researched investigation into early European interactions with the continent. Originally published in 1895, this ambitious study challenges conventional narratives by exploring the priority of European discovery in Australasia well before the arrival of Lieutenant James Cook in 1770.

This 1983 facsimile edition brings Collingridge's authoritative text back into print, allowing contemporary readers to engage with his critical, documentary, and historic examination. It delves into myriad historical records and cartographic evidence, presenting a compelling argument that reshaped understanding of Australia's European antecedents.

• Early European Claims and Evidence: The core of Collingridge's work is its exhaustive exploration of historical accounts and cartographic data, arguing for numerous European sightings and landfalls in Australasia long prior to Captain Cook's renowned voyage. He meticulously pieces together evidence suggesting a rich tapestry of pre-Cook European presence.
• Rich Visual Documentation: The volume is generously complemented by a wealth of illustrative material. It features around 100 black and white illustrations, including detailed headpieces, tailpieces, drawings, portraits, and historical maps, alongside 13 additional plates, which visually enrich the historical narrative and support Collingridge's claims.
• A Critical Historical Reappraisal: Collingridge's approach is defined by a 'critical, documentary and historic investigation', where he scrutinises existing historical accounts and presents a detailed, evidence-based argument. This scholarly rigour makes the book a foundational text for anyone interested in the early chapters of Australian exploration.

George Collingridge's 'Discovery of Australia' remains an indispensable and fascinating work for anyone intrigued by the early history of European engagement with the Australian continent. This 1983 facsimile edition offers a valuable opportunity to own and study a foundational text in Australian historiography, appealing to serious historians and collectors of significant historical accounts alike.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Very Good condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

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