Great Southern Land: A New History of Australia

Description

Australia is a dynamic multi-cultural society, viewed by many as the world's most desirable place to live. Here Frank Welsh traces Australia's intriguing and varied history to examine how this society emerged, from its ancient Aborigine tribes and earliest British convict settlements to today's modern nation - one that retains strong links with its colonial past but is increasingly independent and diverse. While full of admiration for Australia, Welsh also exposes national myths and confronts the darker side of its history - oppression of the Aboriginal peoples and the White Australia' policy - and places the country in a global context, considering the changing relationship with Britain and its Asian neighbours, as well as more recent alliances with the US. Original, provocative and entertaining, Great Southern Land provides the most comprehensive one-volume history of this endlessly fascinating nation.

Frank Welsh was born in Washington, County Durham, and educated at Magdalene College, Cambridge. He has had a varied career in international business and banking, including service on the boards of nationalised industries and as a member of the Royal Commission on the National Health Service. His books include The Four Nations- A History of the United Kingdom, The Profit of the State, Uneasy City, Building the Trireme, A History of Hong Kong and A History of South Africa.