The first general introduction to the Australian continent, written by an Australian novelist with particular insight Many people have a superficial familiarity with the Australian continent. Particular images stand out: the Outback, sheep shearing, surfing, the Sydney Opera House, Aborigines and the Walkabout. Now students and other interested readers have a solid resource that describes the breadth of the evolving modern Australian society. Clancy's focus is on the Anglo-Irish and more recent immigrants, but the Aboriginal context is given as well. Readers will learn about the Australian identity, with its male mythology of the "Bush". "Mateship" is the core element of a myth of independent, self-sufficient, freedom-loving citizens in a harsh land. This myth is set against multiculturalism and feminism.
Other highlights include discussion of the weak hold that Christianity has over the population; the drastic urbanization of the last century and the suburban dream; adventure and the beach culture, with tourism; the importance of sports; the changing roles of men; the evolving cuisine, from the national barbeque to European and Asian influences; strong and long literary, artistic, and performing arts traditions; film industry talent; and the power of media in a sparsely populated country. First in-depth book of this kind on Australia Written by an Australian novelist