From 1857-59 the frigate "Novara" circumnavigated the world and became the first Austrian warship to visit the Philippines; it was a scientific mission with renowned Austrian scholars aboard, including Karl von Scherzer. His 70-page narrative on the Philippines is reprinted here in full as a unique historical source. Graphic illustrations - painted snapshots - based on the works of artist Josef Selleny complement this glimpse of the Philippines from an Austrian point of view in June 1858.

Comprehensive background information on the "Novara" mission as well as Austrian naval history try to put this view in a historical framework