Synopsis
This is the first ever historical and cultural guide to Australia, providing visitors with an unprecedented introduction to the art, literature, film, political history, Aboriginal culture, and natural history of a country full of natural wonders, expansive wilderness, and cosmopolitan cities.
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From the Author
This book was a labour of love and enthusiasm.
A review in the London Sunday Times! We are thrilled that the Blue Guide Australia appeared as one of the 'Books of the Week' in the travel section of The Sunday Times (London), on 19 December 1999. Anthony Sattin writes: "...behind all this worthiness is an entertaining and learned text that opens up Australia's culture, from literature and national parks to architecture and Aboriginal art, all presented with the sort of enthusiasm that only an immigrant could bring to the job." We couldn't have asked for a better understanding of our intentions here--we say thank you!
As American ex-pats who have lived and worked in Australia for ten years, we have considered the writing of this 'cultural tour guide' to be a love letter to our adopted country. While it does follow in the long tradition of Blue Guides, with walking tours in the cities and in-depth descriptions of towns and natural wonders, we have also included some comprehensive introductory essays on Australian history, art, cinema, literature, natural history, and Aboriginal culture. We think these summaries, along with the many 'information boxes' throughout the main text, are the best part of the book. The boxes describe important aspects of Australian life and historical events that have shaped the culture: the writing of Waltzing Matilda, the Lindy Chamberlain trial, the architecture of Francis Greenway, the construction of the Snowy Mountain Scheme, the origins of Australian Rules Football, and many more aspects of Australianness as we have come to understand it. We have, of course, included lots of practical information about opening hours, the best restaurants, and unusual foodways, too. But we would hope that Australians will find the book useful as well, as a reference source about their cities, about the people who have shaped the nation, and about some of the lesser-known tidbits of their history. We welcome your comments and criticisms, and suggestions for inclusion in future editions!
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