The history ceases to be predictable-and dull." From the author of "The Shortest History of Europe," acclaimed historian John Hirst, comes this fresh and stimulating approach to understanding Australia's past and present. Hirst asks and answers questions that get to the heart of Australia's history: Why did Aborigines not become farmers? How did a penal colony change peacefully to a democracy? Why was Australia so prosperous so early? Why did the Australian colonies federate? What effect did convict origins have on national character? Why was the postwar migration programme a success? Why is Australia not a republic?

    The time away underscored for the divorcee how much has changed since she left, and how she herself has changed from the carefree young girl that used to roam the shores of the beaches.But a chance meeting with a former neighbor who still remembers her very well leads to a welcome home she never expected. James “Dickie” Hardgrove grew up next to Alice and had a crush on the older girl that lasted long after she left the seaside town for almost fifteen years.They’ve both grown up since their last meeting: Alice is afraid she’s lost the vibrancy she once had forever, but James still sees the beautiful girl he never forgot, and will do whatever it takes for her to see it too.

    policy in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, as well as the role of the media in misreporting these policies and their motives.