Synopses & Reviews
Published to mark the Centenary of Federation, this comprehensive and accessible book explores Australia's national origins. Starting from the perspective of the individual colonies as they made their way toward membership of the Australian Commonwealth in 1901, the book also provides short alphabetical entries covering key events, people and concepts. It approaches Federation not simply as a formal political story, but as a social and cultural process, highlighting ongoing debates about democracy, sovereignty and citizenry. A major and important reference book.
Review
"... this first-class reference volume is well written and nicely organized, with wealth of information, maps, and photographs." Choice
Synopsis
This comprehensive book explores Australia's national origins, incorporating both state-based chapters and alphabetical entries on key events, people and concepts. A major contribution to the centenary of Federation, this book will become a standard reference.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [463]-464) and index.
Table of Contents
Foreword; Introduction, Helen Irving; PART I The Colonies' Path to Federation 1 New South Wales; Helen Irving 2 Queensland; Geoffrey Bolton and Duncan Waterson; 3 South Australia; John Bannon 4 Tasmania; James Warden 5 Victoria; Marian Quartly 6 Western Australia; Brian de Garis; PART II Federation A-Z: Short Entries