Cooper’s Creek: Tragedy and Adventure in the Australian Outback
by Alan Moorehead, originally published in 1963, Kindle version, 2010, Skyhorse
This book is about an exploration expedition into the interior of Australia in 1860. Much of Australia had never been explored at that time and this was one of the first attempts. There were many decisions, actions, and inactions that led to a disastrous outcome. While the expedition has been compared to some of the more famous early polar expeditions, the author at one point indicates that this expedition would be largely forgotten had it been successful.
I encountered a person from Australia, and I mentioned to him that I was reading this book. He asked me how it was. I told him “It’s very dry, like your country.” Well, he didn’t take my comment very well, but I think this about sums it up. There is a lot of detail, quotes from letters, dairies, and newspaper articles, etc. In addition, the terrain of the area being explored is not all that interesting. The result is that this is one of the least interesting books I have read. I recall reading Moorehead’s White Nile and Blue Nile many years ago, and I found those to be much more interesting.
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