Landmarks: a history of Australia in 33 places

by National Museum of Australia (Editor)

Through objects and stories from the National Museum of Australia's collections, Landmarks: A History of Australia in 33 Places traces how people have lived across the Australian continent since 1788. It explores how generations have made their homes here, nurtured families, established enterprises and shaped the places that define our lives today.

Landmarks addresses 10 themes in Australia's past, each focusing on an idea or ambition that has shaped people's choices and actions. The book considers how these themes have unfolded in particular times and places, revealing the ways Australian have engaged with each other and with local landscapes, ecologies and technologies to build dierse and distinctive communities.

Moving away from generalised accounts of the nation's past, Landmarks sets a new direction in Australian history. These 'located histories' focus on objects that evoke the character and texture of people's lives. Taken together, they suggest the sweep and variety of historical experience in Australia.

271 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look, I'm completely biased here because I'm a contributing author. But this book is absolutely GORGEOUS. It's worth reading just for the pictures alone. Museum photographers: worth their weight in gold, y'all.

In all seriousness though, if you're at all interested in Australian history, this book will give you a different perspective to the standard. There are twelve chapters, covering Australian history from 1788 to the present, and focusing on a range of themes. Each theme tells the story of between 2 and 4 places, using specific objects to illustrate the past and bring history to life.

It's full of beautiful images and amazing stories. Do yourself a favour and read it.

[Chris H · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent insight into Australia and its history