John MacGillivray

author

John MacGillivray

1822–1867

A Scottish naturalist and travel writer, he joined Royal Navy surveying voyages in the Pacific and turned those journeys into vivid records of science and exploration. His work is especially valued for its firsthand accounts of Australia, the Pacific, and the voyage of HMS Rattlesnake.

2 Audiobooks

Narrative of the Voyage of H.M.S. Rattlesnake, Commanded By the Late Captain Owen Stanley, R.N., F.R.S. Etc. During the Years 1846-1850. — Volume 2

Narrative of the Voyage of H.M.S. Rattlesnake, Commanded By the Late Captain Owen Stanley, R.N., F.R.S. Etc. During the Years 1846-1850. — Volume 2

by John MacGillivray

Narrative of the Voyage of H.M.S. Rattlesnake, Commanded By the Late Captain Owen Stanley, R.N., F.R.S. Etc. During the Years 1846-1850. — Volume 1

Narrative of the Voyage of H.M.S. Rattlesnake, Commanded By the Late Captain Owen Stanley, R.N., F.R.S. Etc. During the Years 1846-1850. — Volume 1

by John MacGillivray

About the author

Born in Aberdeen in December 1821 and closely connected to natural history from an early age, he was the son of the noted ornithologist William MacGillivray. He became known as a naturalist working in Australia and the Pacific during the mid-19th century, taking part in three Royal Navy surveying voyages.

MacGillivray is best remembered for serving as naturalist on HMS Rattlesnake, the expedition commanded by Owen Stanley from 1846 to 1850. Drawing on those experiences, he wrote Narrative of the Voyage of H.M.S. Rattlesnake, a detailed account that blends observation, travel writing, and scientific interest.

He died in June 1867. Though not a household name today, his books remain valuable to readers interested in exploration, natural history, and the colonial-era study of Australia and the Pacific.