In this Very Short Introduction Kenneth Morgan provides a wide-ranging & thematic introduction to modern Australia He examines the main features of its history geography & culture since the beginning of the white settlement in New South Wales in 1788 Drawing attention to the distinctive features of Australian life he places contemporary developments in a historical perspective highlighting the importance of Australia's indigenous culture & making connections between Australia & the wider word Balancing the successful growth of Australian institutions & democratic traditions he considers the struggles that occurred in the making of modern Australia ABOUT THE SERIES The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly Our expert authors combine facts analysis perspective new ideas & enthusiasm to make interesting & challenging topics highly readable