A Short History of Australia by Manning Clark

 A Short History of Australia

Illustrated Edition

by Manning Clark

The Macmillan Company, 1982, [Reprinted illustrated second edition February], ISBN 0333337352, black and white photographs throughout, black and white photographic end papers, illustrated double title page, hardcover, dust jacket

Very Good Condition, minor edge and shelf wear, dust jacket shows minor edge and shelf wear with a little rubbing to edges and corners (see photographs)

“In this lively, extremely readable book, the eminent and controversial historian Manning Clark describes the evolution of Australia, with breadth and vision and mastery of words.  In thirteen absorbing chapters he opens a window on the country’s past, painting with vivid word-pictures the men and events that have shaped its history.
He begins with the Aborigine and the coming of the first white men, and traces the progress of the first fleet to Botany Bay, the unfurling of the British flag in January 1788 to the accompaniment of a regimental band, and Governor Arthur Phillip’s harangue to the convicts in his charge.
In a broad and brilliant sweep the author describes convicts and settlers, architecture, exploration, new settlements, immigrants and squatters, politics and culture, the gold rushes, the age of the bourgeoisie, radicals and nationalists, the age of the optimists, the world wars, The final incisive chapter deals with the period 1969 to 1980, which the author calls an age of ruins.
A large collection of illustrations enhances the author’s text.”