Navigating by the Southern Cross: A History of the European Discovery and Exploration of Australia

In this comprehensive study, Kenneth Morgan provides an authoritative
account of European exploration and discovery in Australia. The book
presents a detailed chronological overview of European interests in the
Australian continent, from initial speculations about the 'Great
Southern Land' to the major hydrographic expeditions of the 19th
century. In particular, he analyses the early crossings of the Dutch in
the 17th century, the exploits of English 'buccaneer adventurer' William
Dampier, the famous voyages of James Cook and Matthew Flinders, and the
little-known French annexation of Australia in 1772.
Introducing new findings and drawing on the latest in historiographical
research, this book situates developments in navigation, nautical
astronomy and cartography within the broader contexts of imperial,
colonial, and maritime history.