Journals of Two Expeditions of Discovery in North-West and Western Australia, during the Years 1837, 38, and 39

Published in 1841, this two-volume work by Sir George Grey, soldier and administrator, recounts two expeditions to North-West Australia.

George Grey (Author)

9781108043601, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 23 February 2012

514 pages, 25 b/w illus. 1 colour illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.9 cm, 0.65 kg

Educated at Sandhurst, Sir George Grey (1812–98) became Governor of South Australia when he was not yet thirty. Later he served as Governor of New Zealand and High Commissioner for South Africa, and in the 1870s he enjoyed a period as premier of New Zealand. Although he liked to portray himself as 'good Governor Grey', some of his contemporaries found him ruthless and manipulative. Like many other Victorian administrators, he was convinced that the 'savage' natives needed to be 'improved' in order to become more like Europeans. In this 1841 publication, Grey writes about two expeditions to North-West Australia that took place under his leadership in 1837–9. Both expeditions encountered difficulties, and Grey himself was seriously wounded. In Volume 2, Grey focuses on the language and culture of the native Australians, and reveals his plans for 'raising' the Aborigines to what he regards a 'civilised' level.

1. From Gantheaume Bay to the Hutt River
2. From the Hutt River to Water Peak
3. From Water Peak to Gairdner's Range
4. From Gairdner's Range to Perth
5. From Water Peak to Perth (Mr Walker's party)
6. Summary of discoveries
7. Voyage homewards
8. The overlanders
9. Native language
10. Their traditional laws
11. Laws of relationship, marriage, and inheritance
12. Crimes and punishments
13. Social condition and domestic habits
14. Food and hunting
15. Songs and poetry
16. Funeral ceremonies, superstitions, and remarkable customs
17. Characteristic anecdotes
18. Influence of Europeans on the natives
Appendix.

Subject Areas: Australasian & Pacific history [HBJM]