Anxious Nation: Australia and the Rise of Asia, 1850-1939From the late nineteenth century the Asianisation of Australia has sparked anxious comment. The great catchcries of the day . . the awakening East., . the yellow peril., . populate or perish. . had a direct bearing on how Australians viewed their future. Anxious Nation provides a full and fascinating account of Australia's complex engagement with Asia. Published by the University of Queensland Press in association with the Australian Studies Centre at the University of Queensland and the Journal of Australian Studies. "A thorough and entertaining summation of the discourse between Australia and Asia and an excellent primer, a sweeping but considered overview of the cultural influences that continue to dictate many aspects of that discourse." --John Shaumer, "The Age" "Was Australia destined to be European, Asian or Aboriginal? This book impressively combines the personal and the political; it makes sense of spatial and racial anxieties by exploring Australians' broader sense of their region. Drawing on history, science and literature, David Walker tells of Australia's real and imagined encounters with Asia. He provides us with a deep perspective on our current debates overpopulation, environmental limits, multiculturalism and the legitimacy of Australian settlement. This is a searching history of ideas and intrigue that probes the political and literary dimensions of blood, heat, sun, nerves, sex and dreams. Feverish fears and imaginings are reviewed with sensitivity and cool eloquence." --Tom Griffiths, Research School of Social Sciences, ANU |
Common terms and phrases
American appeared argued Arthur Asia Asian August Australia became become believed Britain British Bulletin China Chinese civilisation climate Colonial coloured Commerce Commonwealth concern considered continent cultural Deakin described early East Eastern Empire European fear figure future growing Hand History ibid idea Immigration important impressed India influence Institute interest invasion James Japan Japanese John Journal July land letter Library London Mail maintained markets Melbourne million nineteenth century North Northern Territory noted November October Orient Pacific particularly Plate Policy political popular population possible presented Problems published question race racial region Relations remained Report Review Sax Rohmer seemed settlement Society soon South Wales story Studies suggested Sydney Morning Herald Taylor thought trade tropical University wanted West Western White Australia woman women Yellow York