Their Shining Eldorado: A Journey Through Australia – Elspeth Huxley (1967)

Step into 1960s Australia through the observant eyes of acclaimed travel writer Elspeth Huxley, best known for The Flame Trees of Thika. In Their Shining Eldorado, Huxley captures a continent of contrasts — red dust and green coasts, city bustle and outback silence — with warmth, wit and a keen sense of history.

This first edition hardcover (Chatto & Windus, London, 1967) is a richly illustrated journey across the Australian landscape, featuring original photographs and a striking mid-century dust jacket in turquoise and ochre tones. The cover artwork alone evokes the spirit of discovery — a perfect piece for collectors of Australian travel writing or vintage literary art.

Condition:

Dust jacket shows light edge wear, some scuffing and foxing consistent with age. Binding firm; pages clean with light tanning. A beautifully kept copy with charm and patina intact.

Details:

• Author: Elspeth Huxley
• Title: Their Shining Eldorado: A Journey Through Australia
• Publisher: Chatto & Windus, London
• Year: 1967 (First Edition)
• Hardback with original illustrated jacket
• 288 pages, illustrated with photographs
• Printed in Great Britain by Butler & Tanner Ltd, Frome and London

Deb’s Note:

There’s something quietly romantic about mid-century travel books — written before the world felt so small. Huxley’s tone feels part documentary, part love letter, with a curiosity that still shines through the faded blue cover.