Free shipping within Australia, international delivery available
The Journey of Burke and Wills recounts the ambitious and ill-fated 1860 expedition to cross the Australian continent from south to north. Led by Robert O'Hara Burke, a man of complex character and questionable bushcraft, the venture began with high-spirited pageantry in a gold-rich Melbourne. Equipped with grand resources, including camels and extensive stores, the party soon encountered the harsh realities of the unknown interior. Max Colwell chronicles the transition from high-stakes aspiration to a harrowing struggle for survival, marked by internal conflict, physical exhaustion, and the tragic abandonment of the Cooper’s Creek depot. Featuring a remarkable collection of over 180 illustrations—including rare works by expedition artist Dr Ludwig Becker—this narrative brings to life the drama and human folly of a mission that became a defining Australian myth. It is a compelling investigation into the character flaws and monumental decisions that turned a national triumph into a haunting tale of heroism and catastrophe. This account serves as a definitive exploration of one of history’s most gripping and sombre survival stories.
Used (good, see images, dust jacket wear, dust jacket tear, some cover markings, and handwritten dedication) Hardcover ISBN 0867772514
