The interest and extent of the materials that Barratt brings together and renders accessible to a non-Russian readership is impressive. The Russians, it is clear, were significant players on the Pacific stage. Until now, they have for the most part been overlooked by Western scholars studying the European penetration of the region. Never again shall we be able to find an excuse for doing so. Barratt has made sure of that!

A detailed survey, meticulously and indeed almost overwhelmingly documented; the appendix on archival sources and the thirty-page bibliography would undoubtedly be a valuable guide to those scholars who are interested in what is after all a relatively minor phase of Russian and Pacific history ... A storehouse of information, which one may hope will contribute to redressing a marked imbalance in Australia's view of the Pacific.

Based on extensive research in the journals and collections left by the Russian seamen, this excellent study brings out the detailed and valuable account of not only the flora and fauna of Australia, but also of the British penal system and other aspects of life in Australia.