The Murray: A River and Its People

by Paul Sinclair

The Murray River is in crisis and faces an uncertain future. This evocative book explores the reasons why the river has become degraded and what these changes have meant to the Australians. This in-depth study of the Murray River examines the changing cultural meanings of the river, the practical forgetfulness that has eroded the Aboriginal presence, the triumphant narratives in which a supposedly empty land is made purposeful by the life-giving powers of the Murray, and the passion to make the river’s flow predictable and to replace primitive forces with a domesticated and balanced landscape.

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2002

Reviews

[Dion Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting historical and social view of the Murray River. The book shows how important the river is to all peoples from an economic and social perspective. It also shows how views have changed from that of exploitation is good and therefore the river must be controlled through mechanical means, to, oh no, the river is in serious trouble. Unfortunately the book does not offer any solutions to the current problems. The book is a must read for anyone who loves the Murray River.