Historical Dictionary of Australia (Historical Dictionaries of Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East)

the long version

"This third edition of Historical Dictionary of Australia relates the history of this unique and beautiful land, which is home to an amazing range of exotic flora and fauna, a climate that ranges from tropical forests to arid deserts, and the largest single collection of coral reefs and islands in the world. Through a detailed chronology, an introduction, appendixes, a bibliography, and cross-referenced dictionary entries on significant people, places, and events; institutions and organizations; and political, economic, social, cultural, and religious facets, James C. Docherty provides a much-needed single-volume reference on Australia, from its most unpromising beginning as a British jail to the liberal, tolerant democracy it is today."--BOOK JACKET.