Mutiny, murder, rape, torture; a priceless treasure fuelling the basest human greed; a courageous journey in search of rescue - the story of the 'Batavia', wrecked off the coast of Western Australia in 1629, has been part of the myth and legend of Australian history.
Henrietta Drake-Brockman was determined to unearth the facts. Ten years of meticulous research resulted in 'Voyage to Disaster' which was first published in 1963, and was a historical tour de force comprising the complete journals of Francisco Pelsaert translated from the Old Dutch, together with a revealing biography of Pelsaert, and man of many dimensions - writer, historian and
administrator. This book has been through a number of printings, and has recently (2006) bee reprinted yet again.
Henreitta Drake-Brockman's research also led to the discovery of the 'Batavia' wreck in 1963, an event that was to shape the future maritime archaeology and historic shipwrecks legislation in Western Australia.
Contents:
Preface
Introduction to New Edition
The Life and Times of Francisco Pelsaert
1. Pelsaert and the East India Company
2. Report from India
3. Distinction, DIsaster and Death
4. The Skipper of the 'Batavia', and Others
5. Trade Jewels
6. The Journals, and Some Legal Aspects
The Journals of Francisco Pelsaert
- Officers, Crew and Others Aboard the 'Batavia' who are Mentioned in the
Journals
- Diary of Events following the Wreck of the 'Batavia', 1629
- Text of the Journals
Appendixes
1. J.P. Coen's Order to Pelsaert
2. Last Letter of Francisco Pelsaert
3. The Dagh Register Report of 22nd March 1636
4. The Letter of Gijsbert Bastiaensz, Predikant
5. Final Sentences on Men Already Examined and Sentenced Aboard 'Sardam'
6. Letter from Rubens to Peiresc
7. The White Angel
8. Moreland's Assessment of Pelsaert
9. The Site of the Wreck
10. The Landings in Australia
11. Henrietta Drake-Brockman's Account of the Wreck Expedition
Bibliography
Index
Reviews:
The amazing journey of the ill-fated Dutch VOC ship, Batavia, in 1629, is painstakingly researched and realized in this fine historical epic. History, like this, is unimaginable in the modern sense, though it is evident today in ethnic purging and ruined cultures. The tale of Francisco Pelsaert's incredible
survival through adversity where mutiny and massacre would be the rule of the day is high drama. Ms Brockman became the leading investigator in solving the whereabouts of this lost and infamous shipwreck off the coast of West Australia. Her information is gleaned primarily from eyewitness accounts and the diary of Pelsaert to conclude a fascinating chapter seafaring history. Truly, there is no
story quite like it anywhere. - Reviewer, Amazon.com
