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Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of Australia, Volume 1

Author Admiral Phillip Parker King (1791-1856)

Publisher John Murray (Founded 1768, taken over 2002)

Printer William Clowes (1779 - 1847)

Date1827

Object number00004331

NameBook

MediumInk on paper, leather covered boards

DimensionsOverall: 216 x 145 x 38 mm, 0.7 kg

ClassificationsBooks and journals

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis book, titled 'Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of Australia Performed between the years 1818 and 1822' Volume I, was written by Admiral Phillip Parker King and published in 1827. The 451-page book is illustrated with 'plates, charts, and wood-cuts' and has 'an appendix containing various subjects relating to hydrography and natural history'. It is the second issue of the first edition, which was published in 1826. The text contains details of the voyages of HMS MERMAID and HMS BATHURST across Australia's coasts. He took notes about the climate, topography, native flora and fauna, minerals and the crew's meetings with the Aboriginal population.
HistoryAdmiral Philip Parker King (1791-1856), naval officer and early surveyor of the Australian coast was born on Norfolk Island in 1791, the son of son of Philip Gidley King. He was educated in England, joined the Royal Navy in 1807 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1814.

Between 1817 and 1822 on HMS MERMAID and secondly HMS BATHURST he made four trips surveying and charting areas of the Australian coast line that had not previously been charted by Matthew Flinders. In 1826, he published some of his findings in 'Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of Australia'. After being promoted to Commander, he spent five years surveying the coast of the Straits of Magellan in charge of the vessels HMS ADVENTURE and HMS BEAGLE. In later life he held the position of commissioner of the Australian Agricultural Company. Shortly before his death in 1856 he was appointed Rear Admiral on the retired list.
SignificanceAdmiral Phillip Parker King, son of Govenor Philip Gidley King, became the first Australian-born person to attain eminence in the world outside the Australian colonies. He was recognised as one of Britain's leading hydrographers and made significant contributions to exploration by investigating the inner geography of many gulfs and by giving the first report of Port Darwin.