William Dampier In New Holland Australia's First Natural Historian

Science & Nature History Australiana

William Dampier in New Holland by Alex S. George is a lively 1999 first-edition hardcover that reclaims the pirate-naturalist as Australia’s first field biologist. In 171 pages of crisp, illustrated text, George follows Dampier’s 1688 and 1699 landfalls on the continent’s west coast, showing how the buccaneer’s meticulous notebooks became a cornerstone of Australian natural history.

The volume is a handsome collector’s piece: tightly bound, unmarked, and protected by its original dust jacket. Minor foxing on the cover page is the only sign of age; the interior remains fresh, bright, and free of tears or creases. All colour plates and maps are present, making the explorer’s sketches of quokkas, shells, and coastal plants ready for display.

Perfect for lovers of Australian history, exploration narratives, or rare botanical works, this Boomings Books first edition adds scholarly weight to any shelf without the lofty price of a centuries-old folio.