In this deeply human illustration of the effect race and politics has had on a country’s history, Australia’s inner demons of racism and intolerance are brought to light. Additionally, the themes of “racial purity” and nationalization discussed throughout the book are of immense contemporary relevance as Australia begins to cope with an increasingly integrated future. In this work, the shift in Australia’s tropical northern cities is scrutinized, illustrating their transformation from diverse, thriving communities into scenes of racial strife over the course of the 19th century.

Leading Australian historian Henry Reynolds brings to life the country’s diverse and thriving far North in the last years of the 19th century – and the changes that were wrought there by a new national government obsessed with ‘racial purity’. A major work; densely illustrated and thoroughly researched.

xvi, 220 p. : ill. (sepia), ports. ; 27 cm. #0521

Settlement and contacts – Chinese.  |  Race relations – Racial discrimination.  |  Settlement and contacts – Ethnic groups, immigration and multiculturalism.  |  Race relations – Representation – History.  |  Indigenous peoples – Pacific – Kanakas.  |  Race relations – Attitudes.  |  Race relations – Racism – Stereotyping.  |  Australia — History — 20th century.  |  Australia — Commerce — Asia.  |  Asia — Commerce — Australia.  |  Wupipi / Broome (WA West Kimberley SE51-06)  |  Darwin (NT Top End SD52-04)  |  Waiben / Thursday Island (Qld TSI SC54-11)  |  Mackay (E Qld SF55-08)  |  Cairns (NE Qld SE55-02)