William Dampier Knihy

'A roaring tale ... remains as vivid and exciting today as it was on publication in 1697' Guardian The pirate and adventurer William Dampier circumnavigated the globe three times, and took notes wherever he went. This is his frank, vivid account of his buccaneering sea voyages around the world, from the Caribbean to the Pacific and East Indies. Filled with accounts of raids, escapes, wrecks and storms, it also contains precise observations of people, places, animals and food (including the first English accounts of guacamole, mango chutney and chopsticks). A bestseller on publication, this unique record of the colonial age influenced Robinson Crusoe, Gulliver's Travels and consequently the whole of English literature. Edited with an Introduction by Nicholas Thomas

The book explores the life and achievements of William Dampier, an influential English explorer and naturalist. Notably, he was the first Englishman to venture into parts of present-day Australia and the first to circumnavigate the globe three times. Recognized as Australia’s first natural historian, Dampier's expeditions contributed significantly to the European understanding of various plants, animals, and culinary practices. He introduced terms like avocado, barbecue, and chopsticks to the English language, marking his lasting impact on exploration and natural history.

William Dampier was a pioneering English explorer and naturalist, notable for being the first Englishman to explore parts of Australia and the first to circumnavigate the globe three times. His significant contributions to natural history include identifying and naming various plants, animals, and culinary terms for European audiences. Dampier's writings introduced words like avocado, barbecue, and chopsticks to English, marking him as a crucial figure in the exploration era between Sir Walter Raleigh and James Cook.