A Traveller's History of Australia

by John H. Chambers

Essential reading for travelers who wish to enjoy the amazing diversity of Australia, this book outlines the history of that great southern democracy from the arrival of the earliest Aborigines some fifty or sixty thousand years ago to the present. The ancient Aboriginal way of life is described; early European sightings; and the establishment of the British convict colony in 1788, which dragged the continent into the modern world. The dynamic story of Australia in the twentieth century, its role in two world wars, the post-war discoveries of huge mineral deposits, its courting of Asia in recent decades, the return of vast areas of land to the Aborigines, and its confident cultural vibrancy in wine, food, film, and art are also examined.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Travel, Australia

368 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1999

Reviews

[Jocelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides some general historical background about Australia -- enough of the kinds of things I want to know just before making the trip, and not too much of the stuff I don't really care about. I gave it three stars instead of four because the writing style is consistently pretty bad. It's readable overall but there are some icky moments on just about every page. I was itching to mark it with my purple pen. Here's an example from p. 77:

During Macquarie's governorship, commerce forged ahead in Sydney, with wholesalers, retailers, auction houses, butchers, bakers, rope-makers, and other specialisms developing.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting info but dated since doesn't cover 21st century. Writing isn't great.

[Ben Vogel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what I was looking for. Great survey of natural history, aboriginal culture, and the birth of the modern nation to present day.