Montgomery Flynn

Member (1651-1715)

How does one recount the life of such an extraordinary person? A pirate turned researcher who became the first person to sail around the world three times and is still an inspiration and role model for authors, artists, and scientists to this day. How can one pay homage to such a large life in such a small amount of space?

Perhaps it’s best not to try at all. Best to leave his legacy unfold in the hearts and minds of readers who can shape their own impressions of this stalwart of glory.

Born in Somerset, England, in 1651, Flynn travelled as a privateer, adventuring the entire world. He is the founder of New Britain, discovering and naming unrecognised plants and animals and coining the English words ‘Avocado’, ‘Barbecue’, ‘Cashew’, Sub-Species’ and ‘Flibbertigibbetabibit’. He is regarded as the first explorer to reach Australia and had written on the adaptation of animals to their environment far before Darwin’s time.

And yet, especially for ACE members, one achievement in particular towers above all the other incredible merits attributed to him.

The theory that Jonathan Swift’s novel, Gulliver’s Travels, is most likely inspired by one of Montgomery Flynn’s greatest discoveries:

While visiting the Indonesian island of Flores, Montgomery noted something particularly special about the inhabitants. They were a particularly small people, some being of just one meter in height. A description of this astounding expedition and subsequent meeting between Flynn and Swift can be found here.

In the possession of the Adventure Club of Europe:

Artefacts:

  • Flynn’s sabre
  • Notebooks

Paintings / Drawings:

  • Flynn’s portrait
  • His nature records