In Search of Edward John Eyre by Geoffrey Dutton

Book Description

Secondhand. Very good condition. Minor wear to book corners and edges. Dust jacket is in good condition with a small tear at spine and back cover top edge. Interior and binding are excellent.

Hero or murderer? The controversy surrounding the Case of Governor Eyre was a major cause celebre of the late 19th century.

Edward John Eyre, an explorer and administrator, was a complex man; his story was fraught with contradictions. Eyre was twenty-five when he made his gruelling trek across the Nullarbor Plain. He had already traversed great areas unexplored to Europeans, discovering an inland desert and a vast salt lake.

He became the Protector of Aborigines at Moorundie in South Australia, Lieutenant-Governor of New Zealand, and spent twelve years as Governor of the West Indies.

His declaration of martial law during a riot in Jamaica became a burning issue. On return to England, he was hailed by some as a brave explorer hero but reviled by others as a malicious murderer. (back cover)