WEST AUSTRALIANA Exploration Biography

First Edition. Limited Edition. Signed by Author (inscription).

• This edition is limited to 500 casebound copies of which this is number is 04.
• xv, 179 p. : ill., coats of arms, facsims., geneal. tables, maps, ports. ; 26 cm.
• Anketell, R. J. (Richard John), 1862-1928
• Surveyors — Australia — Biography
• Western Australia — History — 1901-1945
• Western Australia — History — 1851-1901
• ‘We built no heroes, but we left no bones’ – this remark, said by a colleague, sums up the meticulous planning and execution of the expeditions led by Richard John Anketell. In ‘Walker in the Wilderness’ the exploits of this engineer/surveyor are traced as he opened up large tracts of Australia. He is one of a band of intrepid public servants who lived and worked in inhospitable country beyond the bounds of civilization. Whether looking for water for survival or negotiating with settlers for politicians, his skills were tested and were all part of the job.

  His life’s work is an important part of Western Australian history and in the broader context, is part of the nation’s history. The outback with its dangers, harshness and fascination, comes to life as ‘Walker in the Wilderness’ related the commitment and human-ness of a pioneer explorer and the working life of the men and animals under his command.