At Home with the Patagonians

This instructive 1871 work records a year spent among native Patagonians, covering the customs of the Tehuelche people in particular.

Nicknamed 'the king of Patagonia', George Chaworth Musters (1841–79) published this work in 1871. He records a year spent living among native Patagonians, giving a detailed account of Tehuelche customs and daily life in particular. This accessible book remains an instructive history of South American exploration and anthropology.Orphaned by the age of four, George Chaworth Musters (1841–79) joined the Royal Navy at thirteen, served with distinction during the Crimean War, and reached the rank of commander. Having been stationed on the coast of South America, during which time he read up on Darwin's voyage in the Beagle, he pursued in 1869 his aim of travelling through the south of the continent. In this 1871 publication, which earned him the nickname 'the king of Patagonia', Musters records the year he spent among native Patagonians, covering almost 1,400 miles. He gives a detailed account of their customs and daily life, particularly the manners, dress, hunting practices and methods of battle of the Tehuelche people. Featuring a number of vivid engravings, the book did much to reveal this land to Europeans. It remains an instructive text in the history of South American exploration and anthropology.