The parallel lives and voyages of the explorers Flinders and Baudin as they traveled to Australia and explored the coastline of mainland Australia and Tasmania are traced in this comparative history. Unlike most historical accounts that follow Flinders's travels, this takes its lead from the voyages of Baudin and then juxtaposes the two voyages with first hand accounts, charts, and illustrations that compare and contrast the "Anglo" and "Franco" interpretations. A complex and fascinating tale is woven, one that is steeped in the language and the imagery of a unique period of world exploration.