Tag Archives: spice islands

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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The Kitchen Table – Spice – an ABC Radio National podcast

Posted on April 27, 2021 by ianburnet

When we think of the history of spice we often start with the protection rackets, piracy, and massacres of the East India companies. But the world trade in spices is not something that begins with the European age of sail … Continue reading →

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A World Divided 1494 – The Portuguese and the Spanish race to reach the Spice Islands

Posted on November 17, 2020 by ianburnet

In the 15th century the aromatic spices of cloves and nutmeg, grown only in the remote Spice Islands of present day Indonesia were said to be worth their weight in gold and were some of the most valuable of traded … Continue reading →

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Book Collectors – do you want a first edition of ‘Spice Islands’?

Posted on November 17, 2020 by ianburnet

You could buy a First Edition hardback copy of ‘Spice Islands’ from Amazon for just US $902 or a Second Edition paper back from them for US$60. Or if you are in Australia or elsewhere you can buy a paperback … Continue reading →

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Yes – Miracles can happen!

Posted on November 4, 2020 by ianburnet

Miracles don’t often happen but a miracle happened when I first made contact with David Rosenberg and Rosenberg Publishing, as he shared my vision of publishing my book Spice Islands with the maps and images embedded in the text. So … Continue reading →

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Insinyur Geologi Australia, Ian Burnet Sudah Menulis Lima Buku Sejarah Terkait Indonesia

Posted on October 27, 2020 by ianburnet

Ian Burnet, seorang warga Australia, pernah lama bekerja di Indonesia di bidang geologi. Setelah pensiun, dia sudah menulis lima buku terkait Indonesia dalam sepuluh tahun terakhir. Ian sekarang sudah berusia 75 tahun dengan istri asal Indonesia yang kini tinggal di … Continue reading →

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