Matthew Flinders (1774–1814)

I've always had a soft spot for Trim, and for Matthew Flinders who seems to have been a most amusing young man and all the more attractive for the obvious love he felt for his characterful feline friend. The references to current events and personages are occasionally bewildering, and the style a little disorganised, but the wilful and stylish Trim comes to life in this short, enjoyable read.

This is the story of Trim a ship's cat who sailed with Matthew Flinders from The Cape of Good Hope to Botany Bay; from Botany Bay to London; from London back to Sydney Town; and finally from Sydney Town to Mauritius (including Flinders circumnavigation of Australia). When Flinders docked at Mauritius her was arrested by the French Governor and imprisoned, on parole, for seven years until the end of the Napoleonic Wars. It was during this period that Trim went AWOL. At some point Flinders show more decided to amuse himself by writing this little monograph to Trim. The manuscript is held in the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich.

Flinders was one of the great explorers and cartographers. His feats of daring and navigational skills are the stuff of legend. This little book shows the humanity of the man. show less

An elegant publication of the Diaries kept by Flinders when he was detained by the French at Mauritius until his final return to England

This cat circumnavigated the globe - but not alone.