His previous excursion along the Appalachian Trail resulted in the sublime national bestseller A Walk in the Woods. In A Sunburned Country is his report on what he found in an entirely different place: Australia, the country that doubles as a continent, and a place with the friendliest inhabitants, the hottest, driest weather, and the most peculiar and lethal wildlife to be found on the planet. The result is a deliciously funny, fact-filled, and adventurous performance by a writer who combines humor, wonder, and unflagging curiousity.Despite the fact that Australia harbors more things that can kill you in extremely nasty ways than anywhere else, including sharks, crocodiles, snakes, even riptides and deserts, Bill Bryson adores the place, and he takes his readers on a rollicking ride far beyond that beaten tourist path. Wherever he goes he finds Australians who are cheerful, extroverted, and unfailingly obliging, and these beaming products of land with clean, safe cities, cold beer, and constant sunshine fill the pages of this wonderful book. Australia is an immense and fortunate land, and it has found in Bill Bryson its perfect guide.

    The only takers are two eccentric Englishmen who want to embark for the other side of the globe. The Reverend Geoffrey Wilson believes the Garden of Eden was on the island of Tasmania. His traveling partner, Dr. Thomas Potter, unbeknownst to Wilson, is developing a sinister thesis about the races of men. Meanwhile, an aboriginal in Tasmania named Peevay recounts his people’s struggles against the invading British, a story that begins in 1824, moves into the present with approach of the English passengers in 1857, and extends into the future in 1870. These characters and many others come together in a storm of voices that vividly bring a past age to life.

    A pioneering work, it will overturn complacent notions of a mutual sisterhood and the common good.

    It provides hope and new direction for those searching for the answers as to why "the problems" seems to persist in Aboriginal communities. It also offers insights for those who want a greater understanding of the issues involved in achieving true reconciliation. In Arnhem Land, as in Indigenous communities across Australia, the situation is dire; health is poor, unemployment is rife and life is short. Why Warriors lie down provides a fresh analysis of this crisis and offers examples of how the people can once again take control of their own lives. Finding the real cause of this crisis requires the reader to look at it from the other side of the cultural / language divide - the side where the Yolngu people live. The Book Why Warriors Lie Down and Die takes us to that side.

    His life is shattered but Morgan refuses to surrender, overcoming all obstacles to find unexpected contentment and happiness in the harsh early days of Australia's settlement.From England's shores to Botany Bay and the rugged frontier of a hostile new world, Morgan's Run is the epic tale of love lost and found, and the man whose strength and character helped settle a country and define its future.Cover Artist: Tom Hallman

    She had the inspired courage that saved many hundreds of Jews and Poles in World War II, the compassion that made her a self-trained doctor to tens of thousands of refugees, the incredible grit that took her close to death in several theatres of war, and the dedication to truth and justice that shone forth in her own books and a lifetime of astonishing heroism.Born in a cyclone in 1887 on a Queensland sugar plantation she grew up in grinding poverty in Gippsland and emerged from years of unpaid drudgery by writing a children's book and freelance journalism. In 1918 she married Sydney Loch, author of a banned book on Gallipoli. After a dangerous time in Dublin during the Troubles, they escaped from possible IRA vengeance to work with the Quakers in Poland. There they rescued countless dispossessed people from disease and starvation and risked death themselves.In 1922 Joice and Sydney went to Greece to aid the 1,500,000 refugees fleeing Turkish persecution. Greece was to become their home. They lived in an ancient tower by the sea in the shadows of Athos, the Holy Mountain, and worked selflessly for decades to save victims of war, famine and disease.During World War II, Joice Loch was an agent for the Allies in Eastern Europe and pulled off a spectacular escape to snatch over a thousand Jews and Poles from death just before the Nazis invaded Bucharest, escorting them via Constantinople to Palestine. By the time she died in 1982 she had written ten books, saved many thousands of lives and was one of the world's most decorated women. At her funeral the Greek Orthodox Bishop of Oxford named her 'one of the most significant women of the twentieth century.'This classic Australian biography is a tribute to one of Australia's most heroic women, who always spoke with great fondness of Queensland as her birthplace. In 2006, a Loch Memorial Museum was opened in the tower by the sea in Ouranoupolis, a tribute to the Lochs and their humanitarian work.

    For most of his life he was an unexceptional estate agent in Australia. He died in obscurity, by his own hand, at the age of only 58. He was a clumsy fielder, and a hopeless batsman. But for four years he was the best spin bowler in the world. The story of Jack Iverson is one of the most remarkable in the history of cricket.

    Throughout her short life, Sallie-Anne Huckstepp lived a dangerous existence. This is a true story, brilliantly told, of someone who was gutsy and determined – and who paid the ultimate price for speaking out against corruption and murder.In 2014, Xoum is proud to release a new edition of this seminal work.Praise for Huckstepp by John Dale‘A marvellous book, brilliantly written and researched.’ Louis Nowra‘A significant, original work that challenges as much as it reveals.’ The Australian‘Dale nails the treachery, corruption and decadence of a part of Sydney society that traces its origins to the Rum Corps.’ Andrew Rule‘A brilliantly constructed record of one of Kings Cross’ most infamous characters. A great city story.’ The Australian‘A fine and disciplined piece of writing.’ HQ‘As gripping as a thriller.’ The Northern Star‘Only the very famous – or infamous – are known by a single name. Huckstepp conjures memories of the bad old days in Sydney; of a time when cops and crims were as likely to be allies as enemies. In the age of Underbelly, John Dale’s new edition of Huckstepp is a timely reminder of the human cost behind the headlines. Through extensive interviews with those who knew, loved and used Sallie-Anne Huckstepp, Dale vividly recreates a time when heroin was currency, and corruption and murder were the everyday tools of violent men. It is a deadly, dangerous, brutal world, depicted with realism, not romanticism. For some, the name Huckstepp will forever carry a frisson of excitement, the promise of secrets, sex, drugs and crime. In this book, Dale ensures that Sallie-Anne’s name will also forever remind us of that fateful moment when a young woman with a gap-toothed smile and a story to tell naively believed that publicity would guarantee her protection. Huckstepp is still famous, but her story runs deeper than the headlines. In this book, Dale takes the reader beyond the underbelly, into the very belly of the beast.’ P.M. Newton

    Written by a leading authority on the subject who had access to private letters and papers, this gripping, action-packed narrative describes the war’s battles in North Africa, Greece, Crete, and Papua New Guinea. Yet, at its heart, this is the story of a remarkable man, covering events from his adolescence in the last vestiges of pioneering Australia to his distinguished political and diplomatic career, spanning nearly a century of his nation's history.

    I stared out the window as we slowly pulled out of the station. I was very confused. I saw the women standing on the platform watching us and wailing. Then I saw her. There was my mum in her only good blue dress standing next to my aunts and our old grandmother. Just standing there. Standing there with tears rolling down ttheir cheeks too fast to even wipe away. Then Mum waved a white hanky and I pressed my face against the window pane as hard as I could, watching her. Watching until her blue dress faded into a tiny blue daub of colour...'At the age of five, Donna was taken away from her natural family and sent to a foster family in Newcastle. Donna reflects back on her childhood memories of living in the bush with her brothers and her removal to the city, becoming an only child in a white family.Donna recalls her struggle with her identity - remembering traditions and customs of her old life in the outback and the adjustments she has had to make in strange city. Donna (aged 40) retells her life story with stark simplicity and honesty . She openly discusses the pain and isolation she has felt at not belonging or feeling at home with the society she has been brought up in. Her desperation took her close to suicide.This is a powerfully sad yet also uplifting story - sad because of Donna's long struggle to re-establish her family and culture and coming to terms with her own views about Aboriginal people; and uplifiting because of Donna's deep faith, her own strong family ties with her foster mother and her husband and sons.Donna's story is retold with passion but with an absence of bitterness as she tells of the strangeness, and heartbreak of her experiences, and of the kindness of her adoptive family.

    Story of an Australian woman who found her true purpose in caring for Cambodian orphans; as one of the few foreigners ever to be granted Cambodian citizenship she paints a vivid picture of the country and her life.

    The shocking treatment of the Aborigines, the determination of Australians to make a clean break from the ills of the Old World and create a new society where everyone had a "fair go", the love-hate relationship with Britain that led to the slow but traumatic detachment from "the Mother Country," drive this sweeping story of a people whose discovery of the "middle way" could serve as a guide for our future.

    Those kids were Down the hole, up the tree, across the sandhills…running from the State and Daisy Bates. This is a true story!

    They are part of the great 'northern adventure' that domestic and international visitors travel so far to experience. In Australian Crocodiles - A Natural History, Grahame Webb and Charlie Manolis uncover the 'private lives' of crocodiles, with comprehensive studies on reproduction, growth, movement, behaviour, habitats and food. The authors explore the anatomy, physiology and embryology of these fascinating animals. They also examine attacks on humans, the history of crocodile hunting and farming, surveying, catching and handling.

    Her days are full: there is school and playing, hanging out with her mother and fighting with her friends. Her nights are long as she listens for small sounds to determine the mood of her violent father.

    Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

    Alex is on her way to spend three months in the country with a father she hasn't seen for four years and a stepmother she's never met.

    

    For David tacey, the quest incorporates key issues such as the redefining of our human identity, a new consciousness about Aboriginal reconciliation, a recognition of youth culture and its spiritual directions, our quest for environmental integrity, and our responsibility to community and to each other. Ultimately, the quest is for a re-enchantment that enables us to overcome our alienation, allowing us, at the beginning of this new century, to build a more harmonious and integrated Australian society. Here, with great exuberance, is David tacey's visionary scholarship and devotion to purpose - clearing away the cobwebs and slander and overburden which have stifled and diminished the culture of spirituality in Australia. p>David's work is not just about spirituality; it is, in its function and its lilt, profoundly spiritual - vibrantly so - in that it cultivates and heartens and defends the deepest, most true and lovely possibilities for this country. - Michael Leunig

    The guide provides insider tips every visitor needs, from the best ways to explore the outback to sampling Australia's world-famous surf and beach culture and shopping in Melbourne, with comprehensive listings of the best hotels, resorts, restaurants and nightlife in each region for all budgets. There are 3D cutaways and floor-plans of all the must-see sites, from Sydney Opera House to Canberra war memorial plus street-by-street maps of all the major Australian cities and towns. ith up-to-date information on getting around by train, car, walking in cities and all the sights and resorts listed town by town, "Eyewitness Travel Guide: Australia" explores the culture, history, architecture and art of this diverse country not forgetting the best scenic routes and the country's magnificent national parks, wineries and distinct wildlife.

    "Originally released in 1993 when Packer was still alive"--Provided by publisher.

    They decide to return the following day to explore some caves which they have discovered nearby. But, once inside the cave, they disturb the roof of unstable rock and find themselves trapped inside. Nobody knows where they are. They have no food or water, and the batteries in their torches are running low...

    Our own human nature draws us into her embrace. To dance with her, is to be soothed, entertained, stimulated and spiritually enriched; it is also dangerous. Socio-political, emotional and spiritual aspects of drug use are presented in an intelligent, readable and entertaining format.

    This history of Australia tells the whole story of the Great Southern Land, from its Aboriginal origins to 1997, including: discovery by European navigators who claimed the land as their own - even though it was already inhabited; the First Fleet, convict settlements, the gold rushes and turn-of-the-century questions about whether Australia could be a perfect society; the birth-pangs of a federated nation, and the experience of Australians in the world's wars; and continuing tension over links with Britain, massive post-war immigration, successes and problems of the 20th century, and the celebration of a distinctly Australian way of life.

    The battle is still raging, and this shocking expose reveals who was behind it and what it means for all Australians.It all began with a 'deep throat' phonecall to John Coombs, the head of Australia's most militant unions, the Maritime Union of Australia. The mystery caller warned him of a clandestine plot to destroy the union's hold on the waterfront.The controversial stand-off between the Patrick Stevedoring company and the MUA became a battle for the hearts and minds of the average Australian. Senior "Sydney Morning Herald" journalists Trinca and Davies covered the waterfront dispute from the very beginning and take us behind the headlines to tell the real story.

    Poems such as From the Macksville to Sydney Train and Rainy Afternoon at Dusk continue his strongly established tradition as one of Australia's finest lyric poets recognised both here and overseas; but in So Many Rivers, Walker establishes himself in the new territory of poems of family and relationship. Poems such as Compassionate, At a Bus Station in Calgary and What the Music Says are some of the most moving and startling examples of this kind of work produced in this country and deserve to stake out a place for Walker at the forefront of Australian and International poetry.It has been worth the long wait for Lyndon Walker's new collection of poetry. These poems have the savour of a hard-won sardonic wisdom. But there is also a subtle lyrical intimacy that can wind around the reader like a protectivecharm. — Dorothy Porter(back cover)

    

    

    Although as different from each other as it is possible to be, they always watch out for danger and warn each other to hide. One day, Lyrebird, Coucal and Pitta are preening and performing and forget to look out for wily Fox. Only Nightjar, with his patchy, dull feathers, is on watch for danger. Can he warn the others in time?

    Colin Thiele returns to the setting of his bestseller Storm Boy with this remarkable new picture book about a young boy and a family of pelicans who have to escape from drought-stricken Lake Eyre.

    This biography of Edmund Barton shows how the easy-going Sydney politician, with a reputation for enjoying the pleasures of the table and a fondness for cricket, became possessed by one enduring enthusiasm: to make a new country from a collection of British colonies.

    Drawing on sources dating from the First Fleet until federation - from paintings and poems to reports of public meetings and parliamentary debates - this text shows that an enviromental aesthetic is as deep-set in the Australian culture as the inability to turn environmental concern into practice.

    Updated with extra text, this is an Australian classic revisited.