The Logbooks of the Lady Nelson

The Logbooks of the Lady Nelson by Ida Lee is a historical account of the voyages of the Lady Nelson a British naval vessel instrumental in the early exploration and settlement of Australia. Through a detailed examination of the ship’s logbooks Lee provides a first-hand narrative of the journeys undertaken by the Lady Nelson in the early 19th century documenting its exploration of Australia’s coastline its role in mapping unknown territories and its involvement in establishing early British colonies. Lee’s research brings the experiences of the ship’s crew and the challenges of naval exploration vividly to life. She recounts the encounters with Indigenous Australians the geographic discoveries made along the coasts and the various obstacles—such as rough seas treacherous reefs and scarce resources—that the crew faced on their expeditions. Through these log entries she offers readers insight into the navigation daily life and hardships of those aboard the Lady Nelson as well as the strategic importance of their discoveries to the British Empire’s expansion.