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| 11/01/06 | | What would you recommend to an American on what to read to learn about Australia? |
I need your help because I’m a little stumped. Michael Wagner in a comment exchange here has asked for some ideas on how to learn about Australia. I’ve pointed him to Peter Garrett’s Australia Day speech where he describes the things you might do with an overseas visitor but I’ve realised I don’t have a good answer and was hoping you might suggest some good books or web sites.
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Comments
Bill Bryson's Down Under is good - gives an American impression of Australia without being patronising or stupid. Gives a good insight into what makes us Aussies tick.
Posted by: Rob Thomson at January 11, 2006 11:04 AM
Such a big question :-) Australia encompasses so much - where would you start? Cloudstreet by Tim Winton to explore the language, vibe, times and summers of the 50s that influence so much of Australia today; Four Fires by Bryce Courtney that includes so many archetypical Australian characters and explores the tragedy of war and the relationship with the 'bush'; Bill Bryson's Down Under; and finally, Lonely Planet's Australia guide book. Heven't even touched on Aboriginal culture either!
Cheers
Viv
Posted by: Viv McWaters at January 11, 2006 11:23 AM
Great suggestions! Bill Bryson is a hometown boy for us here in Des Moines - it is a small planet afterall - super!
Posted by: Michael Wagner at January 12, 2006 7:43 AM
Lots of Australian history in story format in Ion Idriess - read more on the Idriess page on my site (including where to buy).
Posted by: Keith De La Rue at January 13, 2006 11:26 PM
The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes, is definitely a winner. How Australia got to be Australia.
Larry
Posted by: Lawrence Keyes ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.anecdote.com.au/nav-commenters.gif)
at February 1, 2006 3:51 AM