Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of Australia, Vol. 1 (ePub)

Phillip Parker King, born on the 13th of December, 1791 in Norfolk Island, Australia, was a distinguished early 19th-century maritime explorer known for his contributions to the charting of Australia's coastline. Son of Philip Gidley King, the third governor of New South Wales, he inherited a legacy of exploration and naval service. Educated in England, King joined the Royal Navy, where he rose through the ranks, reflecting his expertise in hydrography and naval command. Bestowed the rank of Commander, he embarked on a series of expeditions that would secure his reputation as a preeminent navigator and cartographer of Australian waters. King's seminal work, 'Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of Australia, Vol. 1' (1827), stands as a cornerstone of Australian maritime literature. In this comprehensive account, King provides meticulously detailed observations from his period of surveying between 1818 and 1822, contributing invaluable knowledge to navigators and offering rich descriptions of the Australian environment that also piqued scientific curiosity. King's contributions extend beyond his written narratives; he significantly advanced the safety of maritime operations and enhanced the scientific community's understanding of the region's geography and natural history. His literary style, characterized by precise detail and enlightened by the scientific rigor of his time, offers historians and scholars insights into the early days of exploration in Australia. King's endeavors earned him a Fellowship of the Royal Society, and his legacy includes numerous geographical features named in his honor.