Charles Fleming's Cape Expedition Diary - Auckland Islands, 1942-43

Charles Fleming (1916-1987) was one of New Zealand's pre-eminent twentieth century scientists. A geologist, palaeontologist and ornithologist, he later added biogeography, entomology, and the history of science to his specialist subjects. His life has been documented in the biography Charles Fleming: Environmental Patriot by Mary McEwan (2005). Charles Fleming kept a detailed and highly-illustrated diary, recording the scientific work he undertook. The underlying theme of the diary is a description of the day-to-day lives of the coast watchers, living in an extreme environment well to the south of New Zealand and services infrequently by small boats braving the turbulent Southern Ocean. As such it is part of the history of New Zealand. But overlaying this history is an insight into the workings of the mind of a man who became a great scientist - the continual observation and recording of information, the greater piecing together and revision of geological and related evidence to understand how these islands had evolved over millions of years. The same meticulous observation and recording is applied to changes in the weather, vegetation and marine life and particularly to birds. The original diaries were found in the Alexander Turnbull Library and edited by Mary McEwan. Topographic maps of the Auckland Islands and Campbell Island assist interpretation of the diary.

Minor curling of covers at extremities.