Spinifex and Sand by David Carnegie

Spinifex and Sand
David Carnegie was the fourth son of the Earl of Suffolk, England. After education as an engineer, David Carnegie worked on tea plantations in Ceylon, but joined the rush to Coolgardie when gold was discovered in Western Australia in 1892. Over a period of five years he prospected, and led several important exploring expeditions into some of Australia's most arid areas. In 1896-1897, the Hon. David Wynford Carnegie, born in 1871, youngest son of the Earl of Southesk, led one of the last great expeditions in the exploration of Australia. His route from Lake Darlôt to Halls Creek and return, took thirteen months and covered over three thousand miles. Carnegie financed his expedition from the results of a successful gold strike at Lake Darlôt. "Spinifex and Sand" is not a dry, daily journal but a remarkable account of discovery and survival in a most inhospitable part of the world. A fascinating account of pioneering exploits in the desert between Coolgardie and Hall's Creek and back again, against all odds and across inhospitable country that still remains wilderness today. Despite controversy over his treatment of the aborigines Carnegie's achievement is a monument to his survival skills. Well illustrated.