The Colonial Earth

by Tim Bonyhady

"Using the work of great Australian painters and poets as an entry point, this cultural study counters the popular myth that early colonial settlers were environmentally irresponsible and offers both aesthetic and historical evidence that suggests nature always figured prominently in the Australian national consciousness. Preserving endangered species, protecting forests, maintaining public land rights, and staving off climate change were at issue in the first environmental law of Australia enacted in 1788. Parlimentary debates, personal observations, and artistic renderings explore the texture and dimensions of early Australian environmentalism."

Genres: Australia, History

446 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Tim Bonyhady is Senior Fellow, Urban Research Programme, Australian National University.

Reviews

[Marg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book exquisitely presented. A rare combination of rigorous scholarship & well crafted writing.