Sprigg Salon Conversations: Clever Men with Martin Thomas

Join Emeritus Professor Martin Thomas, award-winning historian and author, as he discusses his latest book, Clever Men: How worlds collided on the scientific expedition to Arnhem land of 1948, in our May Sprigg Salon event.

Describing Charles Mountford's tumultuous 1948 expedition composed of Australian and American scientists, researchers and support staff, Clever Men explores the crossroads of western science and traditional knowledge. Described as 'the last of the great expeditions', this ambitious endeavour was not in search of new territory but instead focused on expanding and the knowledge of central Australia.

Drawing on years of collaborative research with Arnhem Land communities, Martin Thomas' Clever Men is a poingnant portrayal of colliding worlds, and the meeting of scientific hubris and the world's oldest surviving culture.

'This galloping narrative of Arnhem Land draws on years of intense research by one of Australia's sharpest historians' - Peter Read

'A fresh, fascinating and vital contribution to Australian History, which is as significant as it is engrossing' - The Australian

A limited number of books will be available on the evening. Pre-purchase through the checkout on this page to avoid disappointment on the night. A complimentary welcome drink is included in your ticket price including a choice of beer, wine and soft drinks. Cash bar available until 6:45pm.

The evening's schedule

6:00pm  -  Doors open for guests and welcome drinks served | Main Foyer

6:30pm  -  Presentation begins in Pacific Cultures Gallery | Mezzanine

7:15pm  -  Questions invited from audience | Mezzanine

7:30pm  -  Book signing opportunity with Martin Thomas | Mezzanine

8:00pm  -  Event concludes

Content Warning: Please be advised this event may contain sensitive topics for First Nations people. 

About the Author

Martin Thomas is a multi-award-winning researcher, essayist, and documentary maker. Until 2025 he taught in the School of History at the Australian National University where he is now Emeritus Professor.  As an oral history interviewer, he has recorded scores of whole-life interviews for the national collection. At the heart of his historical interests is a deep curiosity about natural and cultural landscapes and the cross-cultural encounters that have occurred with them. His books include The Artificial Horizon: Imagining the Blue Mountains (2003), The Many Worlds of R. H. Mathews (2011), and, most recently, Clever Men (2025), a speculative account of the 1948 American-Australian Scientific Expedition to Arnhem Land that won the 2025 Mark & Evette Moran Nib Literary Award. Thomas became intrigued by this expedition after learning about the films, sound recordings, and photographic records created by expedition leader Charles Mountford and other members of the party. Thomas initiating a consultative research process that provided a wholly new perspective on what constitutes a scientific expedition.

About the Sprigg Salon

The Sprigg Salon series of events provides audiences with access to the latest thinking around cultural, scientific, and natural world research and discoveries here in South Australia and around the world. It is named in honour of Dr Reg Sprigg AO, a remarkable South Australian geologist who discovered the world’s oldest fossilised animals in the Flinders Ranges in 1946, now recognised around the world as the Ediacaran fossils.

The Sprigg Salons is sponsored by the company that Reg Sprigg founded, Beach Energy.