In the early nineteenth century, many explorers were drawn to uncover the mysteries of Australia's desert centre, and many failed. Starting from Adelaide in 1860, the tough Scot and superlative bushman McDouall Stuart led three expeditions across the centre, finally reaching the northern coast three years later. Stuart rode over 14,000 kilometres across Australia's most unyielding terrain, yet did not lose a single man. But the achievement came at a bitter cost. His health shattered, he died soon after, virtually unknown and unrecognised. Edward Stokes argues that he is Australia's greatest explorer, even though he is not as well-known today as Burke, Eyre or Sturt. In Across The Centre, Stokes recreates McDouall Stuart's expeditions, taking us through country that remains stark and compelling. His evocative photographs, together with vivid extracts from the explorer's diaries and a lively narrative, allow us to share the achievements of the indomitable Stuart, 'king of Australian explorers'. Across The Centre is Edward Stokes' third book on Australia's great inland explorers.
- ISBN13 9781864480382
- Publish Date 1 March 1996
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 23 December 2014
- Publish Country AU
- Imprint Allen & Unwin
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 168
- Language English