The first edition of this book, published in 1988, has been widely used as a text book in universities and schools throughout Australia and overseas as well as by general readers who have sought to gain some understanding of Aboriginal cultures. In this substantial revision the opening chapter on archaeology has take account of research which has been undertaken since 1988. Some details have been added and references updated in the chapters on religion, economics, social Organisation, politics, language and art. The previous final chapter on change has been replaced by two chapters which provide an overview of contact history in Australia from the period of colonisation to the present.