Pioneers in Australasia
by Harry Johnston (1858–1927)
- Free to read
- 6 hours to read
- 11 chapters
- Reading level: 10th to 12th grade
"Pioneers in Australasia" by Harry Johnston is a historical account likely written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the adventures and explorations that led to the British domination of Australasia, providing insights into the interactions between European explorers and the indigenous populations. Its narrative promises to illuminate the bravery and discoveries that characterized the early contact between different cultures in this region. The opening of the book sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of Australasia, highlighting its diverse geography and the various human inhabitants that have shaped its history. Johnston introduces the concept of "Australasia" as a collection of islands and territories, emphasizing the remarkable journeys of European pioneers who ventured into uncharted waters often under perilous conditions. He discusses the significant dangers faced by these explorers, including scurvy, cannibalism, and hostility from native peoples, while also touching upon the geography, flora, and fauna that they encountered throughout their expeditions. The narrative prepares the reader for a deeper exploration of the themes of exploration, colonization, and cultural exchange that will be examined in subsequent chapters.
- Australasia · Discovery and exploration
- Explorers · Australasia
- Australasia · Description and travel
Read the opening
Chapter I
The General Features of Australasia
In previous books of this series dealing with the achievements and adventures of the pioneers whose journeys led to the foundation of the British Empire beyond the seas, I have described the revelation of West Africa, the exploration of British North America, and the experiences of those who laid the foundations of our knowledge concerning India and Further India. The scope of this last volume brought us to Sumatra, Singapore, and Java: that is to say the western part of Malaysia. I now propose to set before my readers the more remarkable among the voyages and strange happenings which led to the discovery of Australasia, and to the inclusion within the British Empire of northern Borneo, south-eastern New Guinea, the continent of Australia, the large islands of New Zealand, and a good many islands and archipelagoes in the Pacific Ocean. The most convenient general term for this region of innumerable islands, large and small, is "Australasia", since it lies mostly in the southern hemisphere and yet is more nearly connected by affinity or proximity with Asia rather than any other continent.
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About this edition
This free edition of Pioneers in Australasia by Harry Johnston comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #48634, released 2015-04-04. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Adventure, History - British, History - Modern (1750+).
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