In 1860, Australia remained the truly dark continent. Although there were European settlements in its south, much of the north remained unknown and dangerous. But things were changing. On 20th August, 1860, The Victorian Exploring Expedition left Melbourne to make the journey into the Gulf of Carpentaria in the northern coast. The expedition was headed by an Irish policeman called Robert O' Hara Burke - a charmer, gambler, and a man infamous for taking long baths in his back garden. Burke and his team of eighteen men made a confident start. After leaving most of the group behind in Cooper Creek (in central Australia), three of the party, including Burke, reached the Carpentaria. They were the first ever to do so. But the journey back was riddled with mishap and bad luck. By the time the three had returned to Cooper Creek, exhausted and starving, they discovered that the rest of the party had retreated, leaving behind only a carved message on a coolibah tree. The "Dig Tree" is the tale of this tragic expedition. Sarah Murgatroyd brings the story vividly alive - the political events in the background, the colourful characters, the spectacular and, often, unforgiving landscape, and the awful desperation of the final days. It is an intelligent, evocative and above all, utterly gripping book.

About the Author
Sarah Murgatroyd was born in England in 1967. She worked for the BBC and, until her death in April 2002, lived in Sydney with her husband.

Reviews
'Remarkable. Murgatroyd has an eye for the drama ... her skill in story-telling and immaculate research, means that there is barely a dull moment' Scotland on Sunday 'A beautifully told story' Sunday Telegraph 'Murgatroyd demonstrates a profound understanding of topography and climate in this gripping tale' Sunday Times



Book Information
ISBN 9780747562986
Author Sarah Murgatroyd
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 318g