The "Black War" in Arnhem Land: Missionaries and the Yolngu 1908-1940

by Mickey Dewar

107 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Peter S · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title is a little misleading. The book covers the early attempts of missionaries to set up missions without understanding the aboriginal culture. Other nationalities had had contact with the aborigines before, trepanning and trading for many years. The murders of Japanese trepangers, 2 Europeans and a policeman resulting from unwanted relationships with aboriginal women is the origin of the book's title.
A tedious and "dry" read at times, though appearing well researched.