William Dampier

William Dampier
William Dampier (1651–1715) was an English explorer, privateer, and writer known for his detailed travel accounts and natural observations. He is the author of "A New Voyage Round the World," which became highly influential in his time for its vivid descriptions of the places he visited and the cultures he encountered. Dampier was also a skilled navigator and made significant contributions to maritime knowledge, including the first recorded English contact with Australia and New Guinea. His works, such as "A Discourse of Winds" and "Voyages and Descriptions," were widely read and helped inspire later explorers like James Cook.

Author's Books:


CHAPTER 1. NORTH FROM NEW HOLLAND FOR WATER. THE AUTHOR'S DEPARTURE FROM THE COAST OF NEW HOLLAND, WITH THE REASONS OF IT. I had spent about 5 weeks in ranging off and on the coast of New Holland, a length of about 300 leagues: and had put in at 3 several places to see what there might be thereabouts worth discovering; and at the same time to recruit my stock of fresh water and provisions for the... more...

CHAPTER 1. DEPARTURE AND PROVISIONING EN ROUTE. 1699. THE AUTHOR'S DEPARTURE FROM THE DOWNS. I sailed from the Downs early on Saturday, January 14, 1699, with a fair wind, in His Majesty's Ship the Roebuck; carrying but 12 guns in this voyage and 50 men and boys with 20 months' provision. We had several of the King's ships in company, bound for Spithead and Plymouth, and by noon we... more...