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The Dig Tree

The Story of Burke and Wills
Series: Text Classics
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( 867 ratings, 109 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Dig Tree by Sarah Murgatroyd delves into the dramatic exploration and tragic fate of the Burke and Wills expedition across Australia in the 19th century. This historical recount highlights the journey's courageous ambition and the resulting hardships faced by the explorers. It captures the spirit of adventure and the stark challenges of navigating Australia's harsh, uncharted interior.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are intrigued by tales of exploration and endurance, as it vividly chronicles the dramatic and perilous journey of the Burke and Wills expedition across Australia's outback. The book may appeal to you if you love history and stories of epic determination, offering insights into the challenges faced by explorers venturing into unknown territories.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

"Wills knew that he was fading fastest. On 26 June, he decided the only honourable thing to do was to sacrifice himself to save his companions. 'Without some change,' he wrote, 'I see little chance for any of us'.

In 1860, an eccentric Irish police officer named Robert O'Hara Burke led a cavalcade of camels, wagons and men out of Melbourne. Accompanied by William Wills, a shy English scientist, he was prepared to risk everything to become the first European to cross the Australian continent. A few months later, an ancient coolibah tree at Cooper Creek bore a strange carving: 'Dig Under 3ft NW'. Burke, Wills and five other men were dead.

The expedition had become an astonishing tragedy. Sarah Murgatroyd reveals new historical and scientific evidence to tell the story of the disaster with all its heroism and romance, its discoveries, coincidences and lost opportunities.

Generously illustrated with photographs, paintings and maps, The Dig Tree is a spell-binding book.

Series: Text Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Dig Tree by Sarah Murgatroyd has been praised for its captivating narrative on a 19th-century expedition, highlighting both its heroism and folly. The storytelling is engaging, leading readers to a thrilling climax that is both gripping and suspenseful, capturing the essence of the era's adventures.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781921922268

Publisher: Text Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 April 2012

Country: Australia

Imprint: The Text Publishing Company

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Geoffrey Blainey

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 400

About the Author

Authors Bio, not available

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    Sarah Murgatroyd has brought together for the first time new scientific and historical evidence, and tells in brilliant detail the story of Burke and Wills, the explorers who set out to cross Australia from coast to coast. The Dig Tree describes vividly the remarkable courage, suffering and moments of sheer lunacy, as Burke and Wills struggled to survive in a...
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