The Last Voyage, to India and Australia, in the Sunbeam (Cambridge Library Collection - Maritime Exploration)

Anna, Lady Brassey (1839-1887) was an English travel writer and philanthropist best known for her vivid accounts of ocean journeys undertaken with her family. Her husband was a Civil Lord of the Admiralty who made many ocean voyages by steam yacht to test this new technology. Anna Brassey's description of these travels led to her becoming a best-selling author. In 1886-1887 the Brasseys sailed to India, Borneo and Australia, but sadly Annie died of malaria during the journey. Her account of the voyage was published in 1889 with a memoir by her husband. Her experiences are vividly described and accompanied by many delightful illustrations. Inconveniences are made light of, and she relishes new experiences and acquaintances, showing none of the condescension towards foreigners often exhibited by Victorian travellers. For more information on this author, see http://orlando.cambridge.org/public/svPeople?person_id=brasan