The Shortest History of Australia

by Mark McKenna

The history of Australia has been written before – but not like this.
In The Shortest History of Australia, Mark McKenna offers a compelling new version of our national story. This is a modern Australia permeated by First Nations history; a multicultural society with an island mindset; a continent of epic beauty and extreme natural events; a country obsessed by war abroad but blind to its founding war at home; and a thriving nation-state still to realise its political independence.


McKenna's wise and humane history reveals the surprising in the familiar, and reframes the past so we can see the present more clearly.


'Remarkable ... a deeply humane account of who we are and how we came to be' —Larissa Behrendt


'A deeply imaginative, beautifully written and individual book' ––Robert Manne


'Original, eloquent and moving – a revelatory journey into the past we thought we knew' ––Tom Griffiths

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Australia, Politics

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

Mark McKenna is a comic book illustrator and children's book author.

For the Australian historian, see Mark McKenna
For the young-adult writer, see Mark McKenna
For the law professor, see Mark P. McKenna
For the beer writer, see Mark McKenna

Reviews

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very compelling history of Australia, totally drew me in.

It covers many of the moments and themes in our history that we’re familiar with, but the story is configured differently, a different narrative arc. I loved McKenna’s choice to not tell our story chronologically but through key themes, and that he brings First Nations histories into every part of the book. That made for a very compelling read with new insights.

I also loved the starting point - not Sydney Cove but Ubirr 60000 years ago, and what a beautiful place that is - it has always surprised me that Ubirr doesn’t feature more prominently in our national imagination .

Near the end of the book McKenna talks about the Uluṟu Statement of the Heart and the gracious invitation for Australians to ‘walk with’ First Nations people and allow the ancient and enduring sovereignty of Indigenous Australians to shine through as a fuller expression of Australian nationhood. He notes that, ‘Given all that had happened since James Cook stepped ashore at Kamay in April 1770, this was an offer of incalculable generosity.’

I wish Australians could recognise this and open their hearts to this incredibly generous invitation.

I hope many Australians get to read this book.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not much of a history buff, but I thoroughly enjoyed this. McKenna doesn’t paint a chronological picture of Australia’s deeply rich and complicated history. He instead takes a look at pivotal moments in Australia’s history and intertwines the Aboriginal tapestry. Mckenna acknowledges that this was written in a way to spark interest in Australian history, not only just for Australians but for those who live elsewhere. I can confidently say that this book has done that and more. I feel propelled to read further about the country I call home.

“Perhaps one of the reason Australians have become renowned as international travellers is because they fear being forever exiled from their distant ancestral homelands; it is as if they've never really shed their migrant clothes”

Okay, yes, that's my favourite quote.

“Whitlam reminded parliament that as an island nation predominately European inhabitant situated on the edge of Asia, Australia could not afford the stigma of racialism. … Whitlam argued that the path to to prosperity was built on accepting the fundamental equality of all human beings. Australian’s future viability was dependent on belonging in the Asia-Pacific rather than on shutting the region out”

“Within thirty years of the British invasion, the Indigenous population of Victoria declined by at least 90 per cent. This staggering scale and speed of this land crab - accelerated by the Victorian gold rushes of the 1850s..."

“Modern Australia was created through the migration of millions like Micheal, Bridget, and William Fang Yuen: migrants who were driven to escape poverty and deprivation and seek security and prosperity thousands of kilometres away…”

“What is Australia? Who are the Australian? These are questions we have never properly answered as an Australian people.”

[Kym · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Short History of Australia is a fresh new version of our story that also includes and recognises the epic First Nations history. This great sunburnt country that stretches endlessly below a vast Southern sky is a melting pot of people and a living example of what happens when two cultures collide. There is no question that the Australian landscape has been instrumental in sculpting our national characters. This book shows how we have come together, not always peacefully and not always with kindness, especially with our indigenous population. It also shows the great strength, determination and skill the settlers brought with them. It must have been an incredible time in history. I really enjoyed the way this book explored and delivered a rich catalogue of First Nation history as well as detailing the settlers, gold fever, wars and politics since colonisation. There is an extensive bibliography at the back for further deep diving into some of the chapter topics. All in all a great read that teaches not preaches.

[Julie Capell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book to read for someone who is about to travel to Australia. instead of organizing it chronologically, the author examines larger themes such as what it means to be a country AND a continent, the idea of "terra nullius" (land of no one), why participation in WWI and WWII are highpoints of national pride, how drought and wildfires have shaped the land, how religious and cultural sectarianism shaped the country's development, the shift from seeing themselves as tied to Great Britain to being authentically Australian, relations with their neighbors to the north (focusing on Papua New Guinea), and the emergence of the multicultural nation we know today. Threaded through every chapter are compelling facts and observations from the point of view of the indigenous First Peoples of Australia, whose persecution and exclusion from mainstream Australian life color every aspect of the country's evolution. The way the First People's experiences are integrated into the entire narrative is seamless and sad and thought-provoking. I couldn't help but notice the terrible resonances between the United States' and Australia's treatment of their indigenous populations, original sins that have yet to be redressed.

[Jason Friedlander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to read to learn more about the aboriginal histories often left out of contemporary Australian history. But because of its structure, it functions more like a necessary complement to traditional chronological narratives rather than an actual comprehensive history of Australia. And so it feels like reading a series of vignettes as opposed to providing a starter’s base on which to begin learning about the country and forming your own interpretations of its history. And so I think this is probably a fantastic book to read, but only after a more traditional historical book like “A Concise History of Australia,” which I might have to read after this to get a better sense of their differing national narratives. But if you are already familiar with the nation’s history, definitely read this book. I’m sure it’s essential for Australians, especially.

[Antonia Xu · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was so enjoyable. it weaves events together by themes rather than chronology, amplifying their current relevancy, linking causes and effect, and highlighting the hypocrisy and irony of their reoccurrence.

its a masterful indictment on cultural cringe, and Australia's obsequious, anachronistic obsession with the anglosphere. it shines a light on the pervasive racist and violent underpinnings of the white Australian identity, which continues today to hamper our ability to imagine a more decent, moral and strategic view of who and what Australians are and should be.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s appropriate that I should be writing this review on January 26, Australia Day. Here’s a recommendation: if you’re going to read a survey history of Australia, then read this one. ...

This is a beautifully written, really carefully crafted and highly original book. Although part of the ‘Shortest History’ series that ranges across the whole world, I feel that it is far more directed at an Australian audience than an international one, but both readers could take much from the book. Indeed, the word ‘shortest’ obscures the deep-time and Indigenous emphasis of the book. By eschewing completely the chronological approach, he prioritizes understanding of a theme illustrated through many kaleidoscopic prisms. In the author’s note at the end of the book, he says that he decided to “say more about some things rather than a little about many things”. He has certainly succeeded in this. His prose is beautiful, drawing your interest from vignettes based on people, with a pace that doesn’t get bogged down in details. It’s excellent. Read it.

For my complete review, please visit:
https://residentjudge.com/2026/01/26/...

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

McKenna aims not to repeat the usual chronological histories, but rather dwells on place and significant events. The first chapter ‘The founding lie’ emphasizes that history begins with aboriginal occupation since probably 60,000 years ago. Consequently there is a constant interplay between indigenous and non-indigenous points of view. Much importance is given to the formation of history and human occupation by the nature of the country, from desert, tropical, and temperate. The result is an insight into historical events and their significance in the way Australia has evolved, and its relartionship with Britain and to a lesser extent the USA. This approach brings fresh insights but for some it may seem to omit what they think is important in the chronological unwinding of events and people.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another nonfiction book, The Shortest History of Australia (2025) by Mark McKenna, is a succinct overview, penned by an eminent historian. It has ten precise chapters summarising major historical movements that have shaped Australia today. It's a compact book with an introduction, ten chapters, illustrations and a detailed index. It's an enjoyable read that can be savoured at your leisure, as various historical factors are clearly delineated. Overall, a helpful tool for those wanting a sharp analysis of the major thematics shaping multicultural Australia. A truly enjoyable four and a half star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.

[Peter Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and very readable approach to Australian history. Mark McKenna has chosen to focus on matters he deems of lasting significance for today rather than mere chronology. It is refreshing, fair and very much a winner. Its comments on Australian society are very challenging and insightful. And he gives adequate space to Indigenous people and the impact of “white” settlement upon them. Brave and good.

[Tim Briedis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read - very strong on indigenous history! Read this not Tony Abbott’s book! The histories of pearling, of Christmas Island, and of the forgotten north were ace. Elegantly written and crafted as well.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a good introductory book on Australian history for readers who have no prior knowledge. It is not a chronological history, as the author admits in the Afterword. The author has chosen a few of his favourite themes to expand on. This book won't suit everyone but will interest some.

[Anders Jaarvik · Rating 5 out of 5]

En fersk utgivelse som passer godt for alle som har behov for å lese seg opp på Australias historie. Her presenteres den ikke kronologisk, men tematisk – med Australias urfolk sin historie som en grunnleggende del av helheten.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woof that was depressing

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish it was a little shorter

[Chris Halpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought a tear to my eye! So much to be proud of but so many lost opportunities to be better. Very well written and for me some quite unique perspectives of our rich and varied histories

[Sue Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent - original, readable, informative! Highly recommended!

[Mike Taverner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read