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Ronald Parsons' Southern Passages is a comprehensive and engaging account of South Australia's maritime heritage, tracing the vital role of ships, seafarers, and coastal trade in the development of the colony and state. From the earliest days when all arrivals depended upon sea transport, Parsons explores how an extensive network of local and overseas shipping routes underpinned settlement, commerce, and communication. The book vividly reconstructs a period when the sea was South Australia's lifeline, shaping both its economy and its identity.
Drawing on extensive research, Parsons examines the full spectrum of maritime activity, from small coastal craft and ketches to great ocean-going passenger liners and cargo vessels. He details the evolution of ports, shipbuilding, river trade, and interstate steamship services, while also addressing industries such as whaling and lifesaving. Importantly, the narrative is not confined to vessels alone but brings to life the people behind them—the sailors, shipowners, and communities whose fortunes were tied to the sea, including the tensions and relationships that defined maritime life.
This 1986 first edition published by Wakefield Press is a well-produced and authoritative volume, issued with its original dustjacket. Rich in historical detail and supported by illustrations and archival material, it remains a key reference work on South Australian maritime history. A desirable and collectible title, it will appeal strongly to collectors of Australiana, maritime history enthusiasts, and those interested in the broader story of Australia's coastal and colonial development.
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Dustjacket protected with clear mylar sleeve. Pages very clean and well presented. No inscriptions. An excellent copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
