The Central Australian Expedition 1844-1846. The Journals of Charles Sturt. Edited by RICHARD C. DAVIS other details of the books. 2002. pp. lxxi + 366. Colour frontispiece, 1 colour plate, 3 half tone plates, map. ISBN 0 904180 80 8.

Transcript and annotated edition of Sturt’s journals from a privately held manuscript. With an introduction and critical evaluation of the expedition and appendices of supplementary documents.

Published by the Hakluyt Society. Click on the link for details of this book and a full bibliography of the Hakluyt Society's publications.

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In August 1844 a heavily-laden party led by Captain Charles Sturt set out from Adelaide to head into the unexplored vastness of central Australia. Amongst their equipment was a boat: as well as carrying out his mission of scientific investigation and mapping the topography, Sturt was convinced he would find the inland sea that was reputed to lie in the middle of the continent and so make his reputation. This is the first full publication of Sturt's original journals of the trip. They record the hardships of the journeying through the parched landscape, but also show how his efforts helped reveal the nature of much of the mysterious interior of Australia, and how, in a manner uncharacteristic of his times, he established respectful and co-operative relations with the Aborigines he encountered along the way.

Contents
Introduction: Biography; The inland sea; Events leading up to the central Australian expedition; The central Australian expedition under way; The Manuscript of Charles Sturt's journals; Variant manuscripts and accountings; Parallel accounts; Books related to Charles Sturt; Editorial practices; The Journals of Charles Sturt: Folder 2, 10 August�September 1844; Folder 3, October�November 1844; Folder 4, 21 November�December 1844; Folder 5, 1845; Folder 6; Folder 7; Folder 8, 13 September 1845; Folder 9, 1 December 1845 and ending; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.