Beyond the Myths of Early Australian Exploration
This reassessment of the exploration of the Blue Mountains convincingly argues that the triumphant and romantic account, so well known to most Australians, is, in fact, the product of a tenacious myth fed by geographic misunderstanding and the needs of a social elite to take credit for national development.
Cunningham combines detailed analysis of the historical record with a geographer's understanding of the landscape itself, to recount some twenty journeys of exploration prior to Blaxland's expedition of 1813. Restored to rightful prominence are a host of remarkable early colonial explorers including governors, escaped and emancipated convicts, bushrangers, visiting adventurers and the Aborigines who aided them all. Even the First Fleet's lost herd of cattle have a part to play.
This book shows that the true story of early Australian inland exploration is more remarkable, more human and more comical than any legend. Any reader interested in Australian history and exploration will delight in the revelations of this entertaining book.
