A History of Victoria

A lively account of the people, places and events that have shaped Victoria with new illustrations, photographs and maps.

Geoffrey Blainey (Author)

9781107691612, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 10 July 2013

276 pages, 44 b/w illus. 5 maps
21.6 x 13.8 x 1.9 cm, 0.48 kg

A History of Victoria is a lively account of the people, places and events that have shaped Victoria, from the arrival of the first Aboriginal peoples through to the present day. In his inimitable style, Geoffrey Blainey considers Victoria's transformation from rural state to urban society. He speculates on the contrasts between Melbourne and Sydney, and describes formative events in Victoria's history, including the exploits of Ned Kelly, the rise of Australian Football and the Olympics of 1956. Melbourne's latest population boom, sprawling suburbs and expanding ethnic communities are explored. Blainey also casts light on Victoria's recent political history. This edition features sections on the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009, the end of the drought and the controversy surrounding the Wonthaggi desalination plant. New illustrations, photographs and maps enrich the narrative. Written by one of Australia's leading historians, this book offers remarkable insight into Victoria's unique position within Australian history.

Part I. Feathers, Fleece, and Dust of Gold: 1. A turban of feathers
2. Australia felix
3. A golden ant-hill
4. The silver stick
5. One in ten thousand
6. 'My lord the workingman'
7. Sunshine and moonshine
8. Who am I?
Part II. Whirlwind and Calm: 9. When the bubble burst
10. The horse and its conquerors
11. Hope, depression, fire and water
12. The rise and fall of Albert the great
13. The jolting merry-go-round
14. A long race: Melbourne and Sydney
15. Whirlwind in Spring Street
16. The new Victorians: life, work and play
17. Koala, growling frog, drought and fire
18. A bulging city.

Subject Areas: Australasian & Pacific history [HBJM], Regional & national history [HBJ], History [HB]