Brief references to Aborigines encountered on voyage.

Abel Janszoon Tasman was a Dutch seafarer, explorer and merchant, best known for his voyages of 1642 and 1644 in the service of the VOC. He was the first known European explorer to reach the islands of Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) and New Zealand, and to sight the Fiji islands. His navigator Francois Visscher, and his merchant Isaack Gilsemans, mapped substantial portions of Australia, New Zealand and some Pacific Islands. No life of the first circumnavigator of Australia has hitherto appeared in English. Nothing has been accessible to the English reader but an abstract of one voyage and a few lines in biographical dictionaries. This is scarcely surprising, when we consider how careless Tasman's own countrymen have been of his fame. Fifty years ago all that had been printed in his own country consisted of short abstracts of a few voyages, and these were hidden away in bulky collections. Even the date and place of his birth were matter for conjecture .and dispute. Things are somewhat better now."

"Abel Janszoon Tasman: His Life and Voyages" is the biography of Abel Janszoon Tasman, a Dutch seafarer, explorer, and merchant, best known for his voyages of 1642 and 1644. He was most famous as the first European explorer to reach the islands of Van Diemen's Land (now known as Tasmania) and New Zealand and to sight the Fiji Islands.

Embark on an exhilarating journey through the life and adventures of the legendary Abel Janszoon Tasman, meticulously chronicled by James Backhouse Walker. This biographical masterpiece unveils the compelling narrative of a fearless explorer whose voyages shaped the course of history. Walker, with meticulous detail, recounts Tasman's exploits as he navigates uncharted waters, discovering lands that would leave an indelible mark on the world map. From the awe-inspiring landscapes to the encounters with diverse cultures, this literary odyssey captures the spirit of exploration and the indomitable human spirit. Immerse yourself in the triumphs and tribulations of Tasman's life, a tale intricately woven with intrigue and discovery. As history unfolds on the open sea, Walker's narrative skillfully invites readers to chart their course through the unexplored realms of this captivating biography, leaving an enduring imprint on the pages of maritime history.

"Published by the Royal Dutch Geographical Society in commemoration of the XXVth anniversary of its foundation " Dutch and English on opposite pages Includes index.