Australia Twice Traversed

Abstract

THE narrative presented in these volumes has been compiled by Mr. Giles from the journals written by him during five exploring expeditions into and through central South Australia and Western Australia from 1872 to 1876. The materials of the book are not, therefore, very fresh, but this ought not to detract much from their interest, as hitherto only fragmentary accounts of Mr. Giles's travels have been printed. It must be admitted that records of wanderings in the interior of Australia are not usually very fascinating. Mr. Lumholtz's book, which we lately reviewed, is a brilliant exception to the general rule. We cannot say that Mr. Giles's work rises to an equal height above the ordinary level; for it lacks that fine insight into native life and temperament which is the special and most valuable characteristic of the Danish explorer's record. Moreover, Mr. Giles had to pass through much desert country, the description of which could have been invested with charm only by a writer of genius. The book, however, shows that he has the courage, resource, and spirit of enterprise which are absolutely essential to an explorer, and here and there his story is lighted up by what he has to say about the few well-watered and pleasant tracts of land through which he passed during his various journeys. His explorations were necessary links in the chain of Australian geographical research, and he has acted wisely in preparing a full and accurate account of them. The value of the work is considerably increased by maps and illustrations.

Australia Twice Traversed.

By Ernest Giles. In Two Vols. (London: Sampson Low and Co., 1889.)