O descobrimento da Australia pelos portuguezes em 1601

by Richard Henry Major

"O descobrimento da Australia pelos portuguezes em 1601" by Richard Henry Major is a historical account written during the mid-19th century. The book explores the early discoveries of Australia, specifically focusing on the claim that Portuguese navigators reached the continent prior to the Dutch expeditions. Major presents arguments suggesting that the Portuguese had prior knowledge and exploration of Australia, countering established narratives that attributed the discovery to the Dutch. In this work, Major details his findings and the significance of a recently discovered map indicating that the Portuguese, specifically Manuel Godinho de Eredia, may have discovered the Australian land in 1601, five years before the accepted Dutch discovery. He delves into historical maps, accounts, and navigational records to piece together evidence supporting this premise. The book offers a nuanced view of exploration in the 16th and 17th centuries, emphasizing the role of Portuguese explorers and the historical context surrounding their maritime endeavors, thus urging a reassessment of Australia's discovery narrative.