Richard White

Melissa Harper

Australia is a land of symbols. The Southern Cross. The Sydney Opera House. The kangaroo. Vegemite. But what do they actually mean? Where do they come from? Why are some symbols so hotly contested? Does Australia have more than its fair share? Symbols of Australia offers illuminating and unexpected insights into the symbols that surround us: from Uluru to the Australian flag, the rainbow serpent to Holden cars, the democracy sausage to the Great Barrier Reef. Entertaining, provocative, informative, and often surprising, Symbols of Australia reveals a great deal about the ways nations are imagined - and how they imagine themselves. 'Just when we most need it, a lively reassessment of the symbols that define us and their commercial and political exploitation. A mixture of scholarly ease and irreverent playfulness that also defines us.' -- David Malouf, award-winning Australian writer 'If the nation is imagined, the business of creating its meaningful symbols gives us the very essence of its history. The star-studded cast of Symbols of Australia takes us on a fascinating tour among kangaroos and pavlovas, baggy green caps and rainbow serpents, Holden cars and vegemite jars -- and much more besides. On this splendid journey across desert and beach, reef and harbour, city and bush, we see and hear the nation in its full dignity, diversity and dagginess.' -- Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History, Australian National University 'Humorous, insightful and profound, this book is a thought-provoking survey of twenty-eight of Australia's best-known and most significant symbols. Entries range from Indigenous symbols that resonate with meaning, such as the Rainbow Serpent or Uluru, to animals and the natural world, official symbols, cultural practices, and commercial items of consumption. Most importantly, it showcases the agency of ordinary Australians and the role of popular culture in forging national identity.' -- Associate Professor Hsu-Ming Teo, Macquarie University 'Symbols of Australia, in this new revised edition, is essential reading for a sure-footed trek into our constant act of becoming 'Australian', sifting through the raging cacophony of opinions to distil the most pertinent elements ... all while keeping a sense of humour firmly intact.' -- Miriam Corowa, journalist, presenter, producer and director 'This book is a fascinating look at the symbols that have been used to define and represent our nation. At a time when Australian identity is so contested, Symbols of Australia provides invaluable insight and context, overturning long-held assumptions and rattling revered icons. Symbols of Australia will make you re-think who we are, and where we came from. Even better, it's a bloody good read.' -- Monica Dux, writer, columnist and social commentator

Imagining a Nation

Symbols of Australia

Australians have always loved to step out in nature, whether off-track or along a marked route. Bushwalking – an organised long-distance walk in rugged terrain that requires maps and camping equipment, or a family day out – is one of our most popular pastimes. This landmark book, now updated, was the first to delve into its rich and sometimes quirky history. From the earliest days of European settlement, colonists found pleasure in leisurely strolls through the bush, collecting flowers, sketching, bird watching and picnicking. Yet over time, walking for the sake of walking became the dominant motive. Walking clubs proliferated, railways organised mystery hikes attended by thousands, and Paddy Pallin established his equipment business. Bushwalking – serious walking – was invented. Whether you are inclined to put on your walking boots and pack your sleeping bag, or would rather stay in a luxury hut, this surefooted and witty book reveals how the ordinary act of walking can become extraordinary. 'As stimulating to the mind as a good walk in the bush.' — Bill Garner 'An absorbing exploration of the story of bushwalking in Australia. It's a well researched history, not just of walking, but of our changing relationship to the natural environment, of coming to know its unique beauty and its power to both inspire and restore the body and spirit. A compelling read for anyone who loves the Australian bush.' — Patti Miller '...a splendid social history, one so entertaining and revealing that you wonder why it hasn't been done before.' — Amanda Lohrey 'Slip this book in your swag – and step into adventure.' — Tom Griffiths

On foot in Australia

The Ways of the Bushwalker

But what do they actually mean? Where do they come from? Why are some symbols so hotly contested? Does Australia have more than its fair share? Symbols of Australia offers illuminating and unexpected insights into the symbols that surround us: from Uluru to the Australian flag, the rainbow serpent to Holden cars, the democracy sausage to the Great Barrier Reef. Entertaining, provocative, informative, and often surprising, Symbols of Australia reveals a great deal about the ways nations are imagined – and how they imagine themselves. Just when we most need it, a lively reassessment of the symbols that define us and their commercial and political exploitation. A mixture of scholarly ease and irreverent playfulness that also defines us. – David Malouf, award-winning Australian writer If the nation is imagined, the business of creating its meaningful symbols gives us the very essence of its history. The star-studded cast of Symbols of Australia takes us on a fascinating tour among kangaroos and pavlovas, baggy green caps and rainbow serpents, Holden cars and vegemite jars – and much more besides. On this splendid journey across desert and beach, reef and harbour, city and bush, we see and hear the nation in its full dignity, diversity and dagginess. – Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History, Australian National University Humorous, insightful and profound, this book is a thought-provoking survey of twenty-eight of Australia’s best-known and most significant symbols. Entries range from Indigenous symbols that resonate with meaning, such as the Rainbow Serpent or Uluru, to animals and the natural world, official symbols, cultural practices, and commercial items of consumption. Most importantly, it showcases the agency of ordinary Australians and the role of popular culture in forging national identity. – Associate Professor Hsu-Ming Teo, Macquarie University Symbols of Australia, in this new revised edition, is essential reading for a sure-footed trek into our constant act of becoming ‘Australian’, sifting through the raging cacophony of opinions to distil the most pertinent elements … all while keeping a sense of humour firmly intact.– Miriam Corowa, journalist, presenter, producer and director This book is a fascinating look at the symbols that have been used to define and represent our nation. At a time when Australian identity is so contested, Symbols of Australia provides invaluable insight and context, overturning long-held assumptions and rattling revered icons. Symbols of Australia will make you re-think who we are, and where we came from. Even better, it’s a bloody good read.– Monica Dux, writer, columnist and social commentator

Uncovering the stories behind the myths

This book traces the history of bushwalking in Australia and shows how the activity has become the most popular way that Australians engage with the bush. For many Australians, walking has become a major means of developing an attachment to the land and a connection to the nation. The book features many primary materials including diary entries, club newsletters and photos that bring to life the origins and developments of walking as a significant Australian pastime. It also offers some marvelous pen portraits of the extraordinary characters that pioneered bushwalking in this country, and those who followed in their footsteps.

Melissa Harper

About

Books

Join the club