An invaluable introductory textbook that provides students with a concise overview of Australian history: from the first settlers thousands of years ago, to the great migrations of recent centuries, through to those living within the more anxiously controlled borders of the present day. Drawing on political debate, official reports, intellectual discussion and popular culture, Peel and Twomey weave together a vivid, multi-dimensional national history that explores central topics against the wider international background.

This is an ideal core text for dedicated modules on Australian History, or a supplementary text for broader modules on World History, which may be offered at all levels of an undergraduate History degree. In addition it is a crucial resource for students who may be studying the history of Australia for the first time as part of a taught postgraduate degree in Australian or World History.