Melbourne Dreaming: A Guide to the Aboriginal Places of Melbourne

by Meyer Eidelson

This guide to Melbourne’s Aboriginal places describes the important historical and archaeological sites, providing a greater knowledge and information of these significant locales.

Genres: Nonfiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great little book.

We can see the history of the indigenous people all around us. We just need it pointed out to us and some sort of framework to realise its significance. It is surely not insignificant that many of the places of power in the city of Melbourne such as the Governor's residence, the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court were also meeting places where the Aboriginal clans also met to decide disputes and to carry out important ceremonial practices.

As a Melburnian, I have had many of the clues of Aboriginal habitation pointed out to me. The canoe trees and the shell middens are obvious examples. There are also family stories of how "the Blacks" as my grandmother called them, fought to keep access to the Maribyrnong River. There were white troopers permanently stationed there to "keep them down".

The book is well written and has excellent maps and descriptions of how to access the sites described. It also has pithy quotes from early Europeans and Aboriginals alike, which makes the story of our shared, often tragic interactions come alive.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative, clear layout with lots of information about our built and natural environment, and the indigenous country or countries we live on. This book allows the reader absorb information without being overwhelmed, and to make lots of important connections and reflections, instead of the very fragmented information we might otherwise know or receive.
The production and layout is user-friendly, with lots of clear and attractive maps and images.
There is a glossary, index and reference list.
Great book.