The Australian nation

the long version

"Geoffrey Partington was inspired to write this book by caricatures of the mainstream Australian past as repressive, intolerant, and reactionary. He paints a different portrait, detailing the historical account of the influences that have made Australia the nation and continent it is today. The Australian Nation shows how various identities, such as Britishness, Irishness, and Aboriginality, have combined to create a distinctive Australian nationality. Partington ranges widely and easily over politics, religion, education, literature, art, music, and sport. He identifies blemishes as well as merits in the Australia created by the British and Irish, and values the legacy derived from their efforts."--BOOK JACKET.