1788年にニューサウスウェールズに最初の白人が入植して以降のオーストラリアについて、歴史、地理、文化に触れながら、広い観点から紹介する一冊です。オーストラリア史における土着文化とその位置づけ、世界の中でのオーストラリアの立ち位置といった議論も含む概説書です。
   

• Provides a wide-ranging introduction to modern Australia, examining its history, geography, and culture
• Focuses on the distinctive features of Australian life by considering the historical perspective
• Explores the role of Australia's indigenous culture and their place in the history of Australia as a whole
• Considers Australia's role within the wider world

 
In this Very Short Introduction Kenneth Morgan provides a wide-ranging and thematic introduction to modern Australia. He examines the main features of its history, geography, and culture since the beginning of the white settlement in New South Wales in 1788. Drawing attention to the distinctive features of Australian life he places contemporary developments in a historical perspective, highlighting the importance of Australia's indigenous culture and making connections between Australia and the wider word. 

Balancing the successful growth of Australian institutions and democratic traditions, he considers the struggles that occurred in the making of modern Australia.