Aboriginal Australians: A History Since 1788

by Richard Broome

A powerful history of black and white encounters in Australia since colonization, this fully updated edition remains the only concise survey of Aboriginal history since 1788

 

In the creation of any new society, there are winners and losers. So it was with Australia as it grew from a colonial outpost to an affluent society. Richard Broome tells the history of Australia from the standpoint of the original Australians: those who lost most in the early colonial struggle for power. Surveying two centuries of Aboriginal-European encounters, he shows how white settlers steadily supplanted the original inhabitants, from the shining coasts to inland deserts, by sheer force of numbers, disease, technology, and violence. He also tells the story of Aboriginal survival through resistance and accommodation, and traces the continuing Aboriginal struggle to move from the margins of a settler society to a more central place in modern. Since its first edition in 1982, Broome's Aboriginal Australians has won acclaim as a classic account of race relations in Australia. This fully rewritten fourth edition continues the story, covering the uneven implementation of native title, the plight of remote Aboriginal communities, the "Intervention," and the landmark apology to the "stolen generations" by Federal Parliament.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Australia, Anthropology, Indigenous, Race

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Andrew Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. Comprehensive, concise, scholarly yet touching. This is by far the best book I've read on the history, people and contributions of Aboriginal Australians. First published in 1982, it is onto its 5th edition published in 2019, with 32 reprints along the way.

Sometimes I talk in these reviews of 'citizenship books'. The notion there are books that all citizens should read, so as to better understand either their society, their role, or the challenges we face together. This book firmly belongs on such a list. Ideally it would be the kind of book we should give all year 12 students and make reading a part of their graduation requirements.

Strongly recommended.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the last few years I have attempted to broaden my reading by reading books by people of colour or in this case about people of colour. I came to the startling conclusion recently that as a white Australian I only had a limited knowledge about our Aboriginal Australians.

This book is incredible, charting from 1788 until this revised edition which goes until 2019. It should be mandatory reading for all senior level high school students to gain a better understanding of all people of Australia but particularly Aboriginals. After reading this I realised that some of my thoughts were backed by ignorance of varied situations. I am now re-evaluating some of these thoughts and think many others if they read this book would as well.

I do believe that there will always be ongoing conflict when we have different races and cultures but books like this go a long way to reducing the gap and creating understanding of both Aboriginal Australians and white Australians descending from European settlement.

This is a book that I would love to own for my shelf.

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of the my most used Australian History books. Broome is succinct and presents a fantastic overview with nuance of many difficult and contentious parts of indigenous history.

I've been using the Fourth Edition since it came out and this new Fifth Edition not only has a fantastic new cover, has a few updates mostly towards the very later chapters along with a new chapter taking us up to the present (dealing with the intervention etc.). Still an essential overview and a necessary starting point for anyone tackling Australian history.

[Julia Gilchrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for Australians. The story provides detail, events, explanation and insight enabling readers to genuinely and compassionately understand why the Indigenous community has their own extremely powerful reasons for choosing not to extend their full forgiveness for historical (*and contemporary) pain. Further, the resilience, character and culture of our Indigenous peoples is on display in this sophisticated and clear narrative and it's utterly fascinating to delve into and start to understand. If more Australians knew about our historical beginnings with our Indigenous people, it would go a long way to enabling our twin cultures to innovatively combine, thrive and launch into a new Australia at the start of our new decade: 2020.

[Paleoanthro · Rating 4 out of 5]

In an incredible journey and story of Aboriginal Australia from colonial contact, we learn the impacts of colonialism had on the native peoples of Australia. The struggle for power and land are highlighted, as we learn about the discrimination, racism, and disadvantages placed on Aboriginal Australians by the white settlers who failed to see these incredible people for whom they are and how they have adapted to the Australian environment over the millenniums. Slowly white Australia has begun to recognize the disadvantages placed on Aboriginal Australians and Broome highlights attempts to correct these disadvantages, but a long way to go still exists and begins with the recognition of previous discriminations and disadvantages placed on the native inhabitants of Australia. A very enlightening read!

[Abdulla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broome digs deep into the struggles and resilience of Aboriginal folk, from early colonisation right up to now. This isn’t just a history lesson – it’s a call to rethink how we see Australia and its people, especially for those who’ve never lived that experience. He doesn’t skim the surface; he gets into rights, well-being, and the fight for respect. Broome lays bare the impact of European settlement and decades of hardship, yet captures the spirit that’s seen them through. This book should be in the hands of every high school student, public servant, and anyone who wants to understand Australia properly. It’s a bridge, an eye-opener that sticks well beyond the last page.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the easiest read as it is the presentation of a lot of research; facts, events and narratives. It should be mandatory reading for every Australian and probably for North Americans too as their 1st Peoples have been through the same things.
It tells of the horrors and abuse that have been wreaked on the Aboriginals ever since the day the British arrived. It explains why it is so hard for many of them find their way in this still, racially hostile environment.
Eye-opening to say the least
Our governments and policies have a lot to answer for.

[Cameron Coombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to modern Aboriginal history. Broome highlights the struggles and oppression under white Australia, as well as the rebellion, victories, and new directions taken by Aboriginal people. He covers a broad range of issues relating to violence, land, structural racism, gender, activism, poverty, and many more. Very informative and would love to read again sometime. Broome helpfully also points to more specific studies throughout his narrative, which will be of interest to those who are looking for further reading.

[lea ❦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The winners in history are always free with the facts.”

a throughout work, handled with care and utter respect. informative and very easy to access for someone who might not know much about Australian Aborigines. it is detrimental to remember what happened and what forged Australia, the suffering and labour of Aborigines dismissed and used and abused by the ‘winners’ in history. a necessary read.

“But we can be proud of our past and our people... Watch out, White man, Aborigines are stepping
out.”

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate how well researched and important this book is in the canon of Australian history. That said, I struggled with the writing style and found myself losing track easily at times. However, I also recognise that a lot of reviewers really appreciate this book. So I would definitely recommend to broaden understandings of Indigenous Australian history. I just wish it was a bit easier to read.

[Tegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An well put together history’s about our nation’s first people. Was pleased to see so many mentions of the aboriginal history local to where I grew up.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!
I learnt so much of our true identity and how the colonisation of Australia really happened. Heavy reading.

[Anna Heffron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really useful history for better understanding Australia.

[Grace Quinn-Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really informative history of Aboriginal Australia. The author is a white man but he sticks to his knitting and the result is an excellent historical resource.

[Morgan Hood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started this years ago and thought I should finish it after reading “the yield”. Very confronting history- my school education skimmed over how brutal things were and the continuing effects.

[midsizedchillybin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty incredible overview of the impact of colonisation on Aboriginals. Remarkably balanced and really vivid at points.

[Mark Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learnt so much!
Also the British may have "invaded" but Aussies treated Native people badly all by themselves in the last century & now.

[Øystein Bjaanes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good introduction to the history of the indigenous people of Australia.

Introduction is the key word, however, and it is probably a better book in its early chapters than the later. This is because the writing of history is always easier when some distance has elapsed between the actions and the writing.

However, since I have not read anything about Aboriginal history - or, for that matter, Australian history - earlier, this is a good book from which to start.

There are some problems I had with the book: firstly, the way prof. Broome has split the story. By focusing on themes instead of linearity, we do get some repetition. Several chapters include the same facts repeated, almost ad verbatim. However, this is a minor irritant.

Secondly, the lack of maps which could place reserves, tribes, peoples and such would be really helpful. Aboriginal names are not something I'm familiar with, and when I am unable to place it on a map, or just able to do so with a lot of effort - it's irritating. Especially as it could have been rather easily rectified.

Thirdly, the political slant on the last few chapters. Granted, I agree (as far as I'm able to form an opinion) with prof. Broome, but his lack of neutral language irks me. A work of history should stay away from that - and, given the subject and the story as described, is more counter productive than anything else.

Fourthly, it's just an introduction. That's not really a criticism in itself - but just something I got hung up on. The book, having such a broad scope, cannot go into details, and therefore it leaves several stories untold (they are just summed up, but, on a positive note, the reader is pointed to research dealing with those questions. Most of them, anyway.).

All in all, though, it's a great book - and a good place to start if you want to look into the story of the Aboriginal people.

[Lynton Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of us know the headlines about Aboriginal history since 1788 - dispossession, stolen generation, Mabo, the apology - but not the full story behind them. This book provides that deeper level of understanding. The author makes an effort to provide more than one point of view, but does sometimes slip into opinion unnecessarily. Not written for someone after information about Aboriginal culture and spirituality, although they are touched on. Very glad I read this, slightly ashamed it took me so long to learn what I did.

[Simon Stafrace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not an expert in Australian Aboriginal history and don't consider myself widely read in this regard. I found this book riveting. Parts of the story were known to me but the narrative arc and many of the details were new. I don't know where this book sits in the pantheon of accessible books about Australian history, but I highly recommend it to anyone looking to understand the debate about the need for indigenous recognition in the constitution, self-determination, land rights and justice. Australia has an indigenous history. It is time to end the denial. Read about it here.

[David Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an extremely useful resource book for the history of Aboriginal/European relations. Its discussions of reserves, missions, assimilitation policy and welfare dependency are the best I have yet come across. However, it also displays overt bias, with some interpretations of past conduct viewed very much through the politically correct prism of the present. I've knocked off a star for this reason.

[Johanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main emphasis is that colonialisation robbed the aborigines of their land, resources and pride and that subsequent policies of assimilation and paternalism have decimated the aborigines feeling of self worth.

Were some interesting perspectives eg land given in 1880s was so well farmed that it was subsequently taken away, the concept of work for the dole rather than receiving sit down money. Also a detailed analysis of Mabo, Wik and the Intervention and the influence of Noel Pearson.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this while traveling in Tasmania. It was my prerequisite for Capricornia. Academically written but provided an accurate description of the country and the treatment of the aborigine population.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written book speaks of a troubled history of the Aboriginal experience. Not a pretty picture. The book is factual, researched, candid, and a sad indictment of humans mistreating each other.

[william ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fellas

Thorough, well documented account of first nation encounter with ' Western' culture. Optimistic about aboriginal ability to live with modern world, pessimism underlying about seemingly endless white Australian racism, which, he points out early, is a branch of global capitalism. Lovely language and lucid style, punctuated with (first)Australian expressions. The kindle onboard dictionary has no definition for ' humpy' but such meanings soon become clear from context and add to the (God forbid) charm of an enjoyable but sobering work where history of communities mixes nicely with accounts of individuals who made their mark or simply exemplify the topic under discussion.