The Explorers

The explorers of Australia tell an epic story of courage and suffering, of dispossession and conquest, of a moving frontier between European invaders and the Aboriginal custodians of the continent.

This compelling anthology documents almost four centuries of exploration and takes us into a world of danger, compassion and humour.

Many of the stories beggar belief. Maori chief Te Pahi saves the lives of condemned thieves in Sydney in 1805. Hume and Hovell argue over their frying pan. John Ainsworth Horrocks is shot by his camel.

Brilliantly edited and introduced by Tim Flannery, The Explorers draws on the most remarkable body of non-fiction writing ever produced in Australia.

Tim Flannery has written over a dozen books, including Here on Earth; the award-winning bestsellers The Future Eaters, The Eternal Frontier and The Weather Makers; and his accounts of adventures in Papua New Guinea and Australia, Throwim Way Leg, Country and Among the Islands. Tim was the 2007 Australian of the Year and the Head of the Australian Climate Commission from 2011-13.

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'The Explorers traces the face and searches for the heart of this extraordinarily varied continent which we do not properly know; it is humbling to find these stories new and relevant; read The Explorers, to help with your own exploration of Australia, and therefore of yourselves.' Sydney Morning Herald

'The selections are fascinating and often moving. By pointing up some of the lesser-known aspects of the exploration story, Flannery captures its richness and diversity.' Canberra Times