Read PASSAGE TO TORRES STRAIT Four Centuries in the Wake of Great Navigators Mutineers Castaways and Beachcombers Miles Hordern 9780719564987 Books

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In his early twenties Miles Hordern first crossed the oceans from Northern to Southern Hemisphere, but one final leg of his round the world journey eluded him for twelve more years the stretch between New Zealand and the Indian Ocean, guarded by the Torres Strait. Once thought to be mythical, so difficult was it to find and pass, the first authenticated passage took place in 1606; in 1768 it was charted by Captain Cook. In that age of sail, most sailors who attempted a passage through it still either drowned on the treacherous reefs or starved in open boats. But Hordern's 28-foot sloop took him more than 4000 nautical miles via the islands of Melanesia, the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef to Australia. His cabin library included tales of individual, lingering histories that he wanted to trace for himself between the lines of the great chronicles. For it was the beachcomber -- the sailor who jumped ship, mutinied or was shipwrecked, and stayed - who had an even more enduring impact on island life.

Read PASSAGE TO TORRES STRAIT Four Centuries in the Wake of Great Navigators Mutineers Castaways and Beachcombers Miles Hordern 9780719564987 Books

"I was a bit disappointed at first that this book spends almost no time on the sailing aspects of Hordern's trip, but concentrates on the interactions of Europeans with natives on the many islands he visits. However, it quickly becomes fascinating as he skillfully pulls together historical accounts from the 18th and 19th centuries with his own impressions of the places he visits. Lots of interesting historical information, lots of local color, and very well written - a wonderful read!"

Product details Paperback 304 pages Publisher John Murray (2005) Language English ISBN-10 0719564980

Tags : PASSAGE TO TORRES STRAIT. Four Centuries in the Wake of Great Navigators, Mutineers, Castaways and Beachcombers. [Miles Hordern] on . In his early twenties Miles Hordern first crossed the oceans from Northern to Southern Hemisphere, but one final leg of his round the world journey eluded him for twelve more years the stretch between New Zealand and the Indian Ocean,Miles Hordern,PASSAGE TO TORRES STRAIT. Four Centuries in the Wake of Great Navigators, Mutineers, Castaways and Beachcombers.,John Murray,0719564980,Queensland,Travel (Australasia),Sailing,Travel writing

PASSAGE TO TORRES STRAIT Four Centuries in the Wake of Great Navigators Mutineers Castaways and Beachcombers Miles Hordern 9780719564987 Books Reviews :

PASSAGE TO TORRES STRAIT Four Centuries in the Wake of Great Navigators Mutineers Castaways and Beachcombers Miles Hordern 9780719564987 Books Reviews

• I was a bit disappointed at first that this book spends almost no time on the sailing aspects of Hordern's trip, but concentrates on the interactions of Europeans with natives on the many islands he visits. However, it quickly becomes fascinating as he skillfully pulls together historical accounts from the 18th and 19th centuries with his own impressions of the places he visits. Lots of interesting historical information, lots of local color, and very well written - a wonderful read!
• In this, his second book on sailing the Pacific, Miles Hordern takes us from New Zealand up to Vanuatu and through Torres Strait to Darwin. Where his first book (Voyaging the Pacific) focussed more on simply being at sea, this one includes the fascinating stories of the early Beachcombers. The way he combines their stories with his own experiences on this voyage are masterful. It's not often you get such interesting chunks of history presented in such a palatable form. As with Voyaging the Pacific, there are still the constant reminders that sailing a small boat around some pretty rough parts of the Pacific is a risky business but this is never over dramatised. It's simply a difficult but very worthwhile thing to do. I loved it. I also love the photo on the front cover, very evocative.
• Excellent style and pleasure to read and think about
• This book had me gripped from the start - you don't have to be a sailor to enjoy it. The historical sections are lively and interesting, and the accounts of the author's journey make you wish you were there. I particularly liked the account of his visit to Tikopia.