Book Review

Into the Unknown - The Tormented Life and Expeditions of by John Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book gives a good insight into the character of Ludwig Leichhardt and his eventual explorations in Australia. It is a well written and informative book and easy to read.

In his formative years Ludwig Leichhardt decided he would like to explore and find new areas, but he spent this time studying range of subjects, including medicine. However he did not sit for exams and although very knowledgeable, never gained formal qualifications.
When first coming to Australia Leichhardt wandered about the bush, marvelling at a land so different from Europe. He would study the plants, animals and geology of areas and make copious notes. It is from his notes and diaries that John Bailey has tapped into, to tell the story.

The expedition Leichhardt arranged to cross from Brisbane to Port Essington, on the Northern Territory coast not that far from the current Darwin, took an great deal longer than expected, partly due to mishaps and partly due to Leichhardt spending time investigating things. Some of his descriptions and that of John Gilbert, who was one of the 10 members of the party) described in glowing terms the beauty of many of the spots they passed through or camped. Gilbert in particular worried that this beauty would all change once white settlers reached these spots.

On return to Sydney Leichhardt began to set up a second expedition with the plan to follow the start of his previous one then turn west and south the cross the continent to the Swan River settlement in Western Australia. This was a total disaster with a large number of the expedition animals constantly wandering off at night, continuous rain and long periods of illness among the party; most likely caused by rotten meat. There was very little harmony in the party and with the loss of so many animals and insufficient supplies Leichhardt had little choice to abandon the trip. He very soon set up another expedition in an endeavour to achieve his objective, but, once the party left the last outpost, was never heard of again.

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