First Impressions: The British Discovery Of Australia
Condition: SECONDHAND
This is a secondhand book. The jacket image is a photograph of the exact copy we have in stock. This image shows the condition of this book. Further condition remarks are below.
Condition remarks:
Book: Good
Jacket: Worn/faded, no tears
Pages: Good
Markings: No markings
A richly detailed work of historical non-fiction, First Impressions: The British Discovery of Australia chronicles the earliest encounters between British explorers, navigators, and settlers and the vast, unfamiliar continent of Australia. Margaret Steven draws on primary sources and historical records to reconstruct the perceptions, assumptions, and reactions of those who first set eyes on Australia's landscapes, peoples, and wildlife, presenting a vivid portrait of cultural collision and geographical wonder. The tone is scholarly yet accessible, balancing rigorous historical analysis with an engaging narrative that brings the voices of early observers to life. Steven argues that these initial impressions — shaped by Enlightenment thinking, imperial ambition, and sheer astonishment — profoundly influenced how Australia was understood, represented, and ultimately colonized by the British. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of exploration, colonialism, and the complex legacy of first contact.
Author: Margaret Steven
Format: Hardback
Published: 1988, British Museum (Natural History)
Genre: Australian history
Condition remarks:
Book: Good
Jacket: Worn/faded, no tears
Pages: Good
Markings: No markings
A richly detailed work of historical non-fiction, First Impressions: The British Discovery of Australia chronicles the earliest encounters between British explorers, navigators, and settlers and the vast, unfamiliar continent of Australia. Margaret Steven draws on primary sources and historical records to reconstruct the perceptions, assumptions, and reactions of those who first set eyes on Australia's landscapes, peoples, and wildlife, presenting a vivid portrait of cultural collision and geographical wonder. The tone is scholarly yet accessible, balancing rigorous historical analysis with an engaging narrative that brings the voices of early observers to life. Steven argues that these initial impressions — shaped by Enlightenment thinking, imperial ambition, and sheer astonishment — profoundly influenced how Australia was understood, represented, and ultimately colonized by the British. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of exploration, colonialism, and the complex legacy of first contact.