The Aboriginal Story of Burke and Wills: Forgotten Narratives

by Ian D. Clark (Editor), David A. Cahir (Editor)

The Aboriginal Story of Burke and Wills is the first major study of Aboriginal associations with the Burke and Wills expedition of 1860–61. A main theme of the book is the contrast between the skills, perceptions and knowledge of the Indigenous people and those of the new arrivals, and the extent to which this affected the outcome of the expedition.
The book offers a reinterpretation of the literature surrounding Burke and Wills, using official correspondence, expedition journals and diaries, visual art, and archaeological and linguistic research – and then complements this with references to Aboriginal oral histories and social memory. It highlights the interaction of expedition members with Aboriginal people and their subsequent contribution to Aboriginal studies. The book also considers contemporary and multi-disciplinary critiques that the expedition members were, on the whole, deficient in bush craft, especially in light of the expedition’s failure to use Aboriginal guides in any systematic way.

Generously illustrated with historical photographs and line drawings, The Aboriginal Story of Burke and Wills is an important resource for Indigenous people, Burke and Wills history enthusiasts and the wider community.

Genres: Australia

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Caroline B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was thoroughly researched and had interesting information that explains just how crucial Aboriginal people were in trying to help Burke and Wills (and crew) on their journey. I would strongly recommend reading this book only if you have a good understanding of the details around the Burke and Wills expedition, as the basic information regarding this is not included.

[Warren Gossett · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting variety of views. I wonder if I could survive a desert crossing in the Outback.