Tag Archives: spice islands

Dangerous Passage – Book Launch at the Australian National Maritime Museum

Posted on October 30, 2024 by ianburnet

Please put Thursday 28 November at 12pm in your calendar, as the date for the book launch of Dangerous Passage at the Australian National Maritime Museum Please follow the link below to register for this free event. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/book-launch-dangerous-passage-ian-burnet-tickets-1015965619517 http://www.ianburnetbooks.com

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Dangerous Passage at the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival

Posted on October 15, 2024 by ianburnet

Ian Burnet is an Australian author who has spent thirty years living, working, and traveling in Indonesia, and his books reflect his fascination with the diverse history of the vast archipelago to the north of Australia. He is the author … Continue reading →

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From Jozef Konrad Korzeniowski to Joseph Conrad – Almayer’s Folly

Posted on September 19, 2024 by ianburnet

In A Personal Record, Conrad describes writing the tenth chapter of Almayer’s Folly on board the Adowa in Rouen harbour. The remaining two chapters, which brought his novel to its fatal conclusion, were completed in only three months and on … Continue reading →

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The Glass Islands – Book Review

Posted on November 12, 2023 by ianburnet

THE GLASS ISLANDS, by Mark Heyward Published by Monsoon Books Reviewed by Ian Burnet Mark Heyward in his book ‘The Glass Islands’ tells the story of building a family home on the Indonesian island of Lombok. However, he has achieved … Continue reading →

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Minyak Kayu Putih, Cajuput Oil, Tea-Tree Oil

Posted on June 19, 2023 by ianburnet

Minyak Kayu Putih is found in every household in Indonesia in the form of ointments and liniments for all sorts of aches and pains. It is also used as a fragrance and freshening agent in soaps, cosmetics, detergents and perfumes. … Continue reading →

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The Mystery of Pulau Cendana, Sandal Bosch Eyland, Sandalwood Island or Pulau Sumba.

Posted on May 15, 2023 by ianburnet

Sandalwood is heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and, unlike many other aromatic woods retains its fragrance for decades. Both the wood and the oil produce a distinctive fragrance that has been highly valued for centuries and it is often cited as one … Continue reading →

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Searching for Sultan Sayfoedin of Tidore

Posted on April 11, 2023 by ianburnet

When I was researching the book Spice Islands I came across an arresting image used in a pamphlet to advertise an exhibition at the Rijksmuseum. After more research I found it was from a painting of Sultan Sayfoedin of Tidore … Continue reading →

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When the Australian Lillipilly Collides with Asia

Posted on November 14, 2022 by ianburnet

You’re probably familiar with the sight of a lillipilly bush. This hardy Australian staple – a glossy evergreen bearing powder-puff flowers and clusters of bright berries – features in many a garden hedge. But you may not know this humble … Continue reading →

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Flores – The Portuguese Church in Sikka

Posted on October 16, 2022 by ianburnet

Like the Portuguese Church in Batavia this is actually a Dutch Church built in the grounds of a former Portuguese Church. This becomes evident when you look at all the Portuguese names on the gravestones in the adjacent cemetery, such … Continue reading →

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A French Voyage to the Spice Islands 1838

Posted on January 4, 2022 by ianburnet

From 1837 to 1840 the French vessels Astrolabe and Zellee commanded by Dumont d’Urville conducted a scientific expedition around the Pacific including a visit to the Moluccan Islands of Ternate, Ambon, Banda and Ceram. The official ship’s artist had died … Continue reading →

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