The world's last major exploration and experience of first-contact-three thousand kilometres by foot, during 1938-39, through the western highlands of Papua New Guinea.
The extraordinary story of the world's last major exploration and experience of first-contact-a 1938-39 Australian expedition of three thousand kilometres by foot, through the mountainous western highlands of Papua New Guinea.
The pale skin of the strangers suggested that they were spirits-sky people. How should they be treated? Local people repeatedly asked 'Why have you come?'
Jim Taylor, with John Black and Pat Walsh, led a patrol of over 350 people. Most were carriers from Highlands areas already familiar with Europeans; about 40 were new Guinea police from the coast. with war looming, records of their remarkable experience were officially suppressed.
Bill Gammage has talked to many of the people who were there-both the visitors and those visited. With the rigour of a committed historian and a rare skill as a storyteller he traces a complex journey of minds as well as bodies. Every participant in this adventure was changed irrevocably. Readers, too, can expect an exhilarating mind shift.
By:
Gammage Bill Imprint: The Miegunyah Press Country of Publication: Australia Dimensions:
Height: 245mm,
Width: 175mm,
Spine: 21mm
Weight: 896g ISBN:9780522848274 ISBN 10: 0522848273 Pages: 312 Publication Date:09 August 1994 Audience:
College/higher education
,
Primary
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Unspecified
Short-listed for NSW Premier's Literary Award 1999
Shortlisted for NSW Premier's Literary Award 1999.
