The Australians: The Way We Live Now

In this fully revised and updated edition of this highly successful title, ROSS TERRILL offers a vibrant and fascinating portrait of Australia today. The Australians garnered glowing reviews both in Australia and overseas when it was first published in 1987. It is a lively, personal, accessible and anecdote-filled snapshot of the Australian people at the start of the 21st century: the nation, economy, society, culture and values; the cities, the outback; and the evolution of our national identity. Frank interviews with leading contemporary Australians such as Prime Minister John Howard, former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett and NSW Premier Bob Carr add unique and authoritative insights into Australia past and present. As well as being a must-have for foreign visitors in 2000, it will appeal to readers of The Fatal Shore, Tom Keneally's The Great Shame, and, because it will also deal with major themes and ideas, buyers of Amongst the Barbarians by Paul Sheehan. International praise for the first edition: 'Perceptive and readable' - The Bulletin 'A candid and provocative book' - Sydney Morning Herald 'One of the best portraits of Australians in recent years' - Chicago Tribune 'Part travel book, part history and part autobiography ... full of interest' - Sunday Telegraph (London)