The Spell of Lake Eyre

by Roma Dulhunty

Lowden Publishing Co., 1975, [First Edition], ISBN 0909706441, colour and black and white photographic plates, illustrated endpapers (maps), hardcover, dustjacket

Very Good Condition, a little edge and shelf wear, a little rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, previous owners gift inscription to half title page, dustjacket shows some edge and shelf wear with rubbing, bumping, chipping, creasing and tears to edges and corners, small part missing at bottom front edge and back top corner (see photographs)

“The Spell of the Lake Eyre describes aspects of the vast, unique, almost unknown Australian interior – the land which the explorer, John Gregory, in 1901 called ‘The Dead Heart’.
Lake Eyre, itself, is mostly a dry salt encrusted lake lying within the Great Artesian Basin.  It has remained virtually unchanged since the dawn of time.  Consequently, for today’s scientist this area offers unlimited prospects, and for the naturalist and lover of nature it is an untouched paradise.
In 1963, the great British speed ace, Sir Donald Campbell, brought the famous Bluebird II to Lake Eyre with the hope of establishing a new world land speed record.  We learn of eh hardships and the glory experienced by Sir Donald and his team during their stay there.
Readers will be fascinated and enthralled by the struggle of the Afghan and Indian camel drivers and their strings which plied from Marree railhead to Alice Springs; the growth of the township of Marree, and its adjacent ‘suburb’ – Ghan Town; and, the establishment and expansion of Muldoorina Station by the resolute Elliot Price and his family.  Like the writer, you too will soon find yourself caught up in The Spell of Lake Eyre.”