Island Nation: A History of Australians and the Sea (Australian Experience) - Softcover

Broeze, Frank

9781864484243: Island Nation: A History of Australians and the Sea (Australian Experience)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1864484241 ISBN 13: 9781864484243

Publisher: Allen & Unwin, 1998

The story of the Australian people is a story of the interaction of land, cities and the sea. Land and cities have received ample attention but the role of the sea as an integral part of our national experience has remained largely unexplored. Island Nation sets out to restore the sea to its rightful place in Australia's history. It offers an alternative account of the past and opens new windows on the forces that have shaped our present. Island Nation traces the profound, diverse and all-embracing influence of the sea on Australian society - an influence that extends far beyond the coastline. In this story of the interaction of people and the sea, three major issues emerge: controlling sea space, taming distance, and living with the sea. In exploring these issues in all their diversity, Island Nation ranges widely, encompassing the birth of an Australian 'Monroe Doctrine' the development of unique economic and political institutions, the role of surfing and the growth of tourism, the impact of the sea on Australian art, 'ships of shame' and very much else besides.

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Synopsis:

Shortlisted, Historical and Critical Studies Prize, Western Australian Premier's Book Awards 1998'In this deftly innovative survey, Frank Broeze draws the reader's attention away from the landmass to the oceans that surround it, and then back to the shoreline, ports and beaches. There have been previous studies of Australians and the sea, but this is our first fully amphibious account.'Professor Stuart MacIntyreThe story of Australian people is a story of the interaction of land, cities and the sea. Land and cities have received ample attention but the role of the sea is an integral part of our national experience and has remained largely unexplored. Island Nation sets out to restore the sea to its rightful place in Australia's history. It offers an alternative account of the past and opens new windows on the forces that have shaped our present.Island Nation traces the profound, diverse and all-embracing influence of the sea on Australian society - an influence that extends far beyond the coastline. In this story of the interactin of people and the sea, three major issues emerge: controlling sea space, taming distance, and living with the sea.

In exploring these issues in all their diversity, Island Nation ranges widely, encompassing the birth of an Australian 'Monroe Doctrine', the development of unique economic and political institutions, the role of surfing and the growth of tourism, the impact of the sea on Australian art, 'ships of shame' and very much besides.

About the Author:

Frank Broeze's books include Brides of the Sea, Mr Brooks and the Australian Trade and Maritime History at the Crossroads. A past president of the International Commission of Maritime History, he is Professor of History at the University of Western Australia.

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