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Original version: xiv, 306 p., [24] p. of plates ; ill., maps, col. ports. ; 25 cm.
Includes index.
2007 Finalist, Prime Minister's Prize for Australian History.
Bibliography: p. 267-294.
Electronic reproduction. Available via World Wide Web
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I bought this book to learn more about the primal religious practices of the Aboriginal people. I got more than I bargained for. What I found was a comprehensive study of "The Original Australians," from their migration to the continent 40,000-50,000 years ago, to the present.
Flood's work is thorough, analytical, well-researched and unbiased. She obviously loves the indigenous people of whom she writes, yet she does not patronize them or romanticize their history or their plight.
Neither does she condemn the English, who first colonized "New Holland," or the Australian government, who enacted laws that forever changed the course of Aboriginal life.
Flood proves to be both a scholar, who honestly reports the facts, and a compassionate human, who cares deeply for the objects of her research.
I recommend this book highly. Where other books on Aboriginals tend to be anecdotal in nature, Flood's book is meaty, yet digestible; objective, yet heartfelt. It'll stimulate your mind and touch your heart.
Ms Flood has set herself the challenge of avoiding the political diktat of our times and trying to give an honest and thorough account of what aboriginal culture and life was like at the time of first contact with whites and following. my own interest is to look at a 50,000 year old culture - the oldest on earth - as the human roots of us all, and learn more about the basics of being human. it should come as no surprise to any sensible and honest person, that the picture is one of violence, mistreatment of all who are physically weaker, especially women. there is also a harsh lesson on the fruits of supernatural belief insisting on no change, no innovation, no learning, no progress. isolation and stasis bear terrible fruits.
This book is excellent reading, deep but well worth the read if the subject is of interest to you. I have always been interested in the Australian Aboriginal people and culture. This book has taken me closer to that quest.
The Argus (Melbourne,..., Friday 3 March 1939 p 10 ... Australia's History THE colourful history of Australia is the keynote of a new feature which will begin In 'The Argus" to-morrow, and which will be con- tinued from week to week With the objects of ... well-known authority on local history, who will use, wherever possible, comments and contributions by ... 115 words
The Sydney Morning Herald..., Saturday 21 December 1912 p 4 ... I . - I A HISTORY OF AUSTRALIA. One of the best accounts counts of our country that has yet yd appeared Is The History of the Australasian Colonies," Colonies by Professor Edward Jenks, Itnks In the ... a chapter on "Fo lieration In Australia," which describes tho steps that led to the foundation of ... 318 words
The Sydney Morning Herald..., Friday 28 July 1893 p 6 ... EARLY E\RLY HISTORY OF AUSTRALIA. Mr. J. B. Sutt[?]r, of ir, or Bathurst, delivered a lecture on the "Early History story storj of Australia ' in the Railway Iway Institute last night Mr. Hugh M'Lachlan, Secretary tary to tho Railway Commissioner^ occupied the Railway Commissioners, occupied nan a ... 230 words