Matthew Flinders

A wildly funny and meticulously researched reexamination of the life of explorer Matthew Flinders, as Shaun Micallef charts the chaos, comedy and contradictions behind the founding of Australia.

Who was Matthew Flinders? A pioneer who gave Australia its name but chose to name nothing after himself. A dreamer obsessed with Robinson Crusoe who wound up imprisoned on an island for six years. A leader who captained a stout and loyal crew but preferred spending time with his cat. An explorer who charted a continent but had a side-hustle collecting human skulls. A hero who wasn’t all that heroic.

The story of Matthew Flinders, like the story of Colonial Australia, is one of tragic lows and high comedy, of embarrassment, shame and humiliation.

Enter Shaun Micallef to tell this tale as it has never been told (but probably should have): with both meticulous research and an overweening sense of the ridiculous. As he charts Flinders’ chaotic route around Australia and beyond, Micallef asks bigger questions about who we are as a country and what it means to hold onto a legacy in an ever-changing-its-mind world.

Historically accurate and surprisingly enlightening, this book is a fresh and funny exploration of a foundational story of Australia.

About the Author

Shaun Micallef is an Australian comedian, writer, actor, producer, author and bon vivant. After several years of practising law, Micallef threw it all away for a life in comedy. He has been a regular on Australian TV for more than two decades, although his output has been anything but predictable, ranging from chat shows and sitcoms to improvisation, drama and feature films. He is possibly the most loved comedian in Australia and has won just about every award going. Shaun lives in Melbourne with his wife, three children and the motto, ‘When you start quoting yourself, it’s time to stop writing.’