When Matthew Flinders set out in 1801 to carry out a "complete examination and survey" of the coast of New Holland, little did he know that he would be away for over ten years. Although he did not coin the term "Australia" he keenly advocated its use, rather than the clumsy "Terra Australis", and will always be associated with its adoption. As well as his meticulous surveys and maps, he made many observations on ship-board life, flora and fauna, and the appearance and customs of the native peoples he encountered. Volume 2 deals with the second half of his Australian survey, followed by his incarceration on Mauritius for over 6 years by the French, and his eventual release and return to England.