The Australians - Softcover

Terrill, Ross

3.46

24 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0671662392 ISBN 13: 9780671662394

Publisher: Touchstone Books, 1988

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1988, trade paperback edition, Touchstone / Simon & Schuster, NY. 354 pages. The author traveled all over Australia, rediscovering his native land. Traces the history of the continent and its birth as a British penal colony to the nation today.

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From Publishers Weekly:

With perspective gained during his years in the West and China, TerrillHarvard research associate, author of a biography of Madame Mao and other titlesrecalls his tranquil childhood in the Australian outback and the still-Victorian city of Melbourne. He also evaluates the simultaneous efforts of his native land to build a national image and achieve cosmopolitanism. To the heritage of the early penal colony settlers, he notes, have been added British and American cultural influences, the impact of massive Southern European migrations and a recent influx of Middle Easterners and Asians. With the ebbing of British power, Australians are increasingly aware that their country's future lies mainly in the Asian sphere, according to the author. He also states that although Australians still believe in progress, they are divided over the issue of aboriginal land rights. The nation is also subject to the modern social ills of unemployment, strikes and corruption, but he notes much artistic activity, especially among filmmakers. BOMC alternate.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal:

Terrill, author of 800,000,000: the real China, here writes about his native Australia. After many years away Terrill returned to spend eight months interviewing people and becoming reacquainted with his country. His is a fascinating portrait of the Australians. He explains their lack of work ethic and love of leisure and how this has affected the development of the nation. He also examines the man-to-man camaraderie and the strange lack of country pride that may reflect its convict origins. He shares his own childhood memories and traces the background of each major city. History and sociology are so skillfully woven together that one begins to really understand Australia. Terrill also identifies subtle changes in Australian attitudes and thinking, which he sees as signs of its maturing into a future world power. BOMC alternate. Judith Nixon, Purdue Univ. Lib., W. Lafayette, Ind.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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