Items related to Charles Todd's Magnificent Obsession: The epic...
Synopsis
It was the greatest feat of engineering in nineteenth century Australia, but it very nearly collapsed in the face of monumental obstacles.
The year was 1870, and letters took six weeks to get to England by sea. Australians hungered for the speedy communication a telegraph connection would bring. Engineer Charles Todd promised that he could string up wires on poles from Adelaide over 3,000 kilometres to an undersea cable in Darwin harbour in just eighteen months. It was a wild gamble that became an epic race against time.
This is the extraordinary story of the building of the Overland Telegraph. Three teams of workers followed the rough maps that John McDouall Stuart had brought back from his final expedition, crossing deserts, mountains, and rivers in flood. They encountered Aboriginal people who had never seen a European, and battled crocodiles, mosquitoes, mysterious illnesses and hunger. Drawing on original letters and journals, David Dufty has uncovered never before published details about this groundbreaking project.
This is a tale of obsession and heroism, violence and tragedy, and above all, it's a totally compelling yarn.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
David Dufty is a historian and researcher. He is the author of Nabbing Ned Kelly; The Secret Code Breakers of Central Bureau, winner of the 2017 Nib Military History Prize; and of Radio Girl, winner of the Best Non-fiction, 2020 ACT Notable Awards.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Search results for Charles Todd's Magnificent Obsession: The epic...
Seller Image
Charles Todd's Magnificent Obsession
Seller: Rarewaves.com UK, London, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: New. It was the greatest feat of engineering in nineteenth century Australia, but it very nearly collapsed in the face of monumental obstacles.The year was 1870, and letters took six weeks to get to England by sea. Australians hungered for the speedy communication a telegraph connection would bring. Engineer Charles Todd promised that he could string up wires on poles from Adelaide over 3,000 kilometres to an undersea cable in Darwin harbour in just eighteen months. It was a wild gamble that became an epic race against time. This is the extraordinary story of the building of the Overland Telegraph. Three teams of workers followed the rough maps that John McDouall Stuart had brought back from his final expedition, crossing deserts, mountains, and rivers in flood. They encountered Aboriginal people who had never seen a European, and battled crocodiles, mosquitoes, mysterious illnesses and hunger. Drawing on original letters and journals, David Dufty has uncovered never before published details about this groundbreaking project.This is a tale of obsession and heroism, violence and tragedy, and above all, it's a totally compelling yarn. Seller Inventory # LU-9781761471353
Quantity: Over 20 available
Stock Image
Charles Todd's Magnificent Obsession: The epic race to connect Australia to the world
Published by
Allen & Unwin, 2025
ISBN 10: 176147135X
ISBN 13: 9781761471353
New
Paperback / softback
Seller: THE SAINT BOOKSTORE, Southport, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback / softback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. 526. Seller Inventory # B9781761471353
Quantity: Over 20 available
Seller Image
Charles Todd's Magnificent Obsession : The Epic Race to Connect Australia to the World
Seller: GreatBookPricesUK, Woodford Green, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 47929660-n
Quantity: 2 available
Stock Image
Charles Todd's Magnificent Obsession: The epic race to connect Australia to the world
Seller: Kennys Bookshop and Art Galleries Ltd., Galway, GY, Ireland
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. 2025. paperback. . . . . . Seller Inventory # V9781761471353
Quantity: Over 20 available
Seller Image
Charles Todd's Magnificent Obsession
Seller: Rarewaves USA United, OSWEGO, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: New. It was the greatest feat of engineering in nineteenth century Australia, but it very nearly collapsed in the face of monumental obstacles.The year was 1870, and letters took six weeks to get to England by sea. Australians hungered for the speedy communication a telegraph connection would bring. Engineer Charles Todd promised that he could string up wires on poles from Adelaide over 3,000 kilometres to an undersea cable in Darwin harbour in just eighteen months. It was a wild gamble that became an epic race against time. This is the extraordinary story of the building of the Overland Telegraph. Three teams of workers followed the rough maps that John McDouall Stuart had brought back from his final expedition, crossing deserts, mountains, and rivers in flood. They encountered Aboriginal people who had never seen a European, and battled crocodiles, mosquitoes, mysterious illnesses and hunger. Drawing on original letters and journals, David Dufty has uncovered never before published details about this groundbreaking project.This is a tale of obsession and heroism, violence and tragedy, and above all, it's a totally compelling yarn. Seller Inventory # LU-9781761471353
Quantity: 5 available
Stock Image
Charles Todd's Magnificent Obsession (Paperback)
Published by
Allen & Unwin, St Leonards, 2024
ISBN 10: 176147135X
ISBN 13: 9781761471353
New
Paperback
Seller: CitiRetail, Stevenage, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. It was the greatest feat of engineering in nineteenth-century Australia, but it very nearly collapsed in the face of monumental obstacles.The year was 1870, and mail took six weeks to get to England by sea. Australians hungered for the speedy communication a telegraph connection would bring. Engineer Charles Todd promised that he could string up wires on poles from Adelaide over 3,000 kilometres to an undersea cable in Darwin harbour in just eighteen months. It was a wild gamble that became an epic race against time. This is the extraordinary story of the building of the Overland Telegraph. Three teams of workers crossed deserts, mountains, and rivers in flood, following the rough maps that John McDouall Stuart had brought back from his final expedition. They encountered Aboriginal people who had never seen a European, and battled crocodiles, mosquitoes, mysterious illnesses and starvation. Drawing on original letters and journals, historian David Dufty has uncovered never-before-published details about this groundbreaking project. This is a tale of obsession and heroism, violence and tragedy, and above all, it's a totally compelling yarn.'An engrossing and dramatic saga' - Pat Sheil'A gripping story' - David Hill 'A tale of endeavor and perseverance' - Roland Perry 'Meticulous research and Dufty's monster writing skills shape a cracking retelling of Charles Todd's race to stretch a single strand of telegraph wire across 3000km of remote Australia from Port Augusta to Darwin' - Glenn Morrison 'A good read, and speaks of the man and his team, illustrating the talents of a rare achiever' - Mac Benoy The construction of the Overland Telegraph in 1870 is an extraordinary feat of engineering and a wild gamble that nearly went terribly wrong. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781761471353
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Charles Todd's Magnificent Obsession: The epic race to connect Australia to the world
Seller: Brook Bookstore On Demand, Napoli, NA, Italy
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: new. Seller Inventory # 4HM1GNTSQE
Quantity: Over 20 available
Seller Image
Charles Todd's Magnificent Obsession : The Epic Race to Connect Australia to the World
Seller: GreatBookPricesUK, Woodford Green, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition. Seller Inventory # 47929660
Quantity: 2 available
Stock Image
Charles Todd's Magnificent Obsession: The Epic Race to Connect Australia to the World
Seller: Revaluation Books, Exeter, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 354 pages. 9.50x6.25x1.00 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # __176147135X
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Charles Todd's Magnificent Obsession: The epic race to connect Australia to the world
Seller: Kennys Bookstore, Olney, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. 2025. paperback. . . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland. Seller Inventory # V9781761471353
Quantity: Over 20 available