Secondhand Australian History Bargain Book Box SP2426

Secondhand Australian History Bargain Book Box

This specialized collection offers twenty-one definitive accounts of the people, landscapes, and pivotal moments that have shaped the Australian identity. By bringing together foundational texts on frontier life, colonial struggles, and the unique challenges of the outback, this box provides an instant library of national heritage. Featuring the scholarly insights of Geoffrey Blainey and A.G.L. Shaw, alongside the classic storytelling of Jeannie Gunn and Marcus Clarke, these books are chosen for their enduring contribution to the Australian narrative. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. History of Australian Bushranging by Charles White This comprehensive record documents the notorious outlaws who became legends in the rugged Australian scrub. It details the exploits and eventual captures of figures like Ben Hall and the Kelly Gang with a focus on original historical documents. The narrative provides a gritty look at the social conditions that gave rise to the bushranging era during the nineteenth century. It is an essential foundation for understanding the complex folk heroes of early colonial history.

2. Doctor Goes Walkabout by Charles Duguid A pioneering doctor recounts his extensive journeys through the remote desert regions of Central Australia to provide medical care to Indigenous communities. The memoir offers a respectful and insightful look at the cultural richness and physical challenges of life in the arid interior. Duguid’s compassionate observations highlight the urgent need for social justice and improved health services during the mid-twentieth century. It is a powerful testament to a life dedicated to bridge-building and humanitarian service.

3. Westward Gold! by H.H. Wilson The frantic energy of the Western Australian gold rushes is captured in this vivid account of prospectors seeking fortune in the harsh desert. It explores the boom-and-bust cycles of towns that rose overnight and the immense personal toll of the search for the elusive vein. The story highlights the resilience and desperation of those who moved westward to redefine their lives in a dry and unforgiving landscape. It is a compelling historical journey into the heart of Australia’s mineral-rich heritage.

4. The Silver City by Ion Idriess The legendary storyteller Ion Idriess turns his focus to Broken Hill, the desert mining outpost that became one of the world's richest mineral deposits. He documents the rough-and-tumble early days of the "Barrier" and the larger-than-life characters who built a city from the red dust. The narrative captures the technological innovations and the brutal labor conditions that defined the mining industry at the turn of the century. It is a classic piece of Australian lore that celebrates the sheer tenacity of desert pioneers.

5. Up the Track by Douglas Lockwood A seasoned journalist takes readers on a journey along the Stuart Highway, the vital artery connecting Adelaide to the tropical north of Darwin. Through a series of engaging anecdotes, Lockwood introduces the eccentric characters and remote stations that dot the "Track." The book provides a mid-century snapshot of the isolation and unique camaraderie that define life in the Northern Territory. It is a nostalgic and witty exploration of one of the world's most iconic and remote road trips.

6. Vanishing Australians by George Farwell This evocative work profiles the various types of people—from drovers to shearers—whose traditional way of life was beginning to disappear with modern progress. Farwell captures the skills, language, and rugged independence of those who worked the land before the advent of major mechanization. The portraits serve as a tribute to the "authentic" Australian character formed by the demands of the vast outback. It is a poignant reflection on the changing face of rural Australia and the legends that remain.

7. The Incredible Gulf by David Baird The remote and untamed Gulf Country is the setting for this exploration of a region defined by its extreme tides and vast cattle stations. Baird details the seasonal challenges of the wet and dry cycles and the impact they have on the people who call the Gulf home. The narrative explores the tension between development and the preservation of one of the continent's last great wildernesses. It is a fascinating look at a corner of Australia that remains largely mysterious to those in the southern cities.

8. Fair Dinkum by Douglas Lockwood Lockwood delivers a collection of quintessential Australian stories that celebrate the grit, humor, and plain-speaking nature of the northern outback. From tales of survival in the bush to the cultural clashes of a developing frontier, the book provides an authentic slice of Territory life. The author's deep affection for the landscape and its people shines through in every chapter of this classic anthology. It is a definitive example of the "fair dinkum" attitude that became synonymous with the Australian national character.

9. Boss Drover by Keith Willey The life of Matt Savage, one of the most legendary drovers in the north, is chronicled in this gritty account of moving cattle across the Kimberley. It details the incredible feats of endurance required to navigate thousands of head of stock through floods, droughts, and treacherous terrain. The book provides a rare, firsthand perspective on a profession that was central to the development of the northern pastoral industry. It is an unvarnished look at a hard life spent in the saddle under the vast Australian sky.

10. Beyond the Western Rivers by Myrtle Rose White A classic memoir of station life, this book documents a woman's experiences raising a family on a remote property in the far west of New South Wales. White describes the constant battle against sandstorms, isolation, and the unpredictable nature of the seasons with remarkable stoicism and grace. The narrative provides a vital female perspective on the domestic side of frontier life and the strength required to build a home in the scrub. It is a beautifully written testament to the endurance of those who lived far beyond the reach of the cities.

11. In the Days When the World Was Wide by Henry Lawson This collection of poetical works captures the essence of the Australian bush and the struggles of the "battler" with profound empathy. Lawson’s verses explore the themes of mateship, poverty, and the romanticized yet harsh reality of life on the track and in the shearing sheds. His writing helped define the national identity during the lead-up to Federation, giving a voice to the rural working class. It is a foundational volume of Australian literature that remains deeply evocative of the late colonial spirit.

12. A New History of Australia edited by Frank Crowley This comprehensive academic volume provides a detailed and multi-faceted look at the nation's development from pre-European contact to the modern era. It incorporates diverse perspectives on political movements, social changes, and the impact of migration on the Australian landscape. The contributors examine the shifting relationship between the people and the land, as well as Australia's evolving role on the global stage. It is an authoritative resource for anyone seeking a rigorous understanding of the forces that shaped the Commonwealth.

13. For the Term of His Natural Life by Marcus Clarke This powerful novel provides a harrowing and realistic depiction of the brutal convict system in colonial Tasmania during the nineteenth century. It follows the wrongful conviction of Rufus Dawes and his long, agonizing struggle for survival in the notorious penal settlements. Clarke’s vivid descriptions of the physical and psychological toll of the chain gangs exposed the dark side of the Australian colonial experiment. It remains one of the most significant works of Australian fiction, exploring themes of suffering, injustice, and ultimate redemption.

14. Australian Folksongs of the Land and its People compiled by Rose L. Sayers This anthology gathers the traditional songs and ballads that were sung in the bush, on the goldfields, and along the dusty stock routes. It preserves the oral history of the early settlers, providing insight into their daily lives, their humor, and their political grievances. The lyrics reflect a uniquely Australian vernacular and a growing sense of national pride and collective identity among the working class. It is a charming and vital record of the musical heritage that helped forge the Australian spirit.

15. The Story of Australia by A.G.L. Shaw One of Australia’s most distinguished historians provides a concise and readable account of the nation's journey from an ancient continent to a modern democracy. Shaw focuses on the key political and economic developments that transformed a series of penal colonies into a prosperous and stable nation. The narrative explores the impacts of the gold rushes, the wars, and the waves of post-war migration on the social fabric. It is a balanced and insightful introduction to the broad themes of Australian history for the general reader.

16. The Tyranny of Distance by Geoffrey Blainey Blainey’s groundbreaking thesis explores how Australia’s vast internal distances and its remote location globally have dictated its economic and social history. He examines the evolution of transport and communication as the primary drivers of national development and integration over two centuries. The book changed the way Australians viewed their own geography, reframing isolation as a central and defining challenge of the nation. It is a brilliant piece of historical analysis that remains essential for understanding the Australian condition.

17. Whaling Around Australia by Max Colwell The dangerous and brutal industry of early Australian whaling is documented in this detailed history of the coastal stations and open-sea hunts. It explores the vital role that whale oil played in the early colonial economy and the international competition for the valuable resource. The narrative details the lives of the diverse crews who braved the Southern Ocean and the environmental impact of the industry on local populations. It is a fascinating look at a maritime heritage that was once a pillar of Australian commerce.

18. To Ayers Rock and Beyond by Bill Harney The legendary bushman Bill Harney provides a personal and culturally rich guide to the landmarks and stories of the Central Australian desert. As the first ranger at Uluru, Harney shares his deep knowledge of Indigenous mythology and the physical features of the heart of the continent. His writing is filled with the warmth and respect he held for the landscape and the Anangu people who showed him its secrets. It is an iconic travelogue that invites readers to see the Red Centre through the eyes of a true local.

19. Petermann Journey by Walter Gill This detailed account follows an expedition into the remote Petermann Ranges of Central Australia, documenting the geography and the Indigenous inhabitants encountered. Gill provides a meticulous record of the flora, fauna, and the logistical challenges of traveling through one of the most arid regions on Earth. The narrative offers a mid-century perspective on the "unknown" interior and the scientific curiosity that drove exploration during the era. It is a valuable historical document for those interested in the history of Australian desert exploration.

20. The Fatal Impact by Alan Moorehead Moorehead examines the devastating consequences of early European contact on the societies and environments of the South Pacific and Australia. He focuses on the initial encounters of Captain Cook and the subsequent waves of settlement that fundamentally altered the lives of Indigenous peoples. The book provides a critical look at the "fatal impact" of diseases, new technologies, and conflicting worldviews on traditional cultures. It is a somber and powerful reflection on the human cost of the age of discovery in the southern hemisphere.

21. We of the Never-Never by Jeannie Gunn This classic memoir recounts the author’s year spent on the remote Elsey Station in the Northern Territory at the turn of the twentieth century. Gunn describes the unique community of "Never-Never" characters and her own experiences as the first white woman to live in the region with humor and heart. The narrative captures the beauty of the tropical north and the strong bonds of mateship formed in a land of extreme isolation. It remains one of Australia's most beloved stories, celebrating the resilience of the people in the "Never-Never."

22. Flying Nurse by Robin Miller The inspiring true story of the "Sugar Bird Lady" follows her courageous solo flights across the Kimberley to deliver polio vaccines to remote communities. Miller documents the technical challenges of flying small aircraft in the tropics and the deep satisfaction of providing essential healthcare to those in need. Her memoir is a testament to the pioneering spirit of women in Australian aviation and the enduring legacy of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. It is a modern heroic tale of dedication and service in the most beautiful and remote corners of Australia.