Van Diemens Land
Van Diemen's Land: an aboriginal history
The first inhabitants of Tasmania lived in isolation for nearly 300 generations after the formation of the Bass Strait. Their remarkable perseverance in the face of overwhelming challenges commands respect and serious consideration. This comprehensive and critical book offers an in-depth exploration of their enduring presence up to the present day.
Beginning with ancient times, the book explores the profound impact of European arrival, colonisation, conflict, and forced exile. It highlights the regional distinctions and separateness that have long characterised Aboriginal life, resulting in the diverse identities present today, including the unique cultural position of the Bass Strait islanders.
Thoroughly researched, drawing on archaeological findings and extensive documentary evidence - some of which have only recently come to light - this significant work addresses a long-standing gap in Tasmanian history.
This work has already become a cornerstone in the writing of Tasmanian Aboriginal history. Authors Murray Johnson and Ian McFarlane have brought together an extensive array of both old and new research to vividly portray Tasmanian Aboriginal culture and notable figures. The lives of people like Fanny Cochrane Smith, Tanganuturra, Nicermenic of the north-west tribes, and Mathinna, who had a tragic connection with the Franklins, are brought to life. Places like Oyster Cove, the Bass Strait Islands, and Risdon Cove serve as focal points for stories of devastation. Van Diemen's Land is an essential reference for students of history seeking to understand the legacy of Tasmania’s original inhabitants.
Murray Johnson has extensive experience teaching and publishing in Australian History and Indigenous Studies. Ian McFarlane is an expert in the Aboriginal history of north-west Tasmania and has taught at the University of Tasmania.
Format: paperback, 453 pages
ISBN: 9781742234212
Size: 233x153mm
Weight: 602g
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