A book ‘for the young and the curious’

Recommended for upper primary students and all students of history and life 

Every now and then a special book comes along which makes you think in a new way about what you have learnt before. 

The Story of Australia is an excellent example of concise yet powerful writing, encouraging readers to reflect with empathy for people in earlier times, and to develop a deeper understanding of events and issues which have shaped Australia.

This book has been tipped as a modern classic and it is a beautifully illustrated history book for 21st century children which will find its way into many classrooms and libraries. As a lifelong student of history, I also uncovered new perspectives from a writer who does not hide his own opinion, and challenges his readers to examine their own. 

The book is structured chronologically from Ancient Australia and Aboriginal Australia to the present era of the COVID pandemic. Each section of the book contains a timeline of key events and a multi-facteted historical account which is thoughtfully presented. Often Watson introduces what might have been a majority view in a particular era (eg Aboriginal Australia through European eyes or free settlers' opinion of convicts), then dismantles it with either seeds of doubt or strong evidence to the contrary. This sort of approach really engages the reader to think, to want to know more and to test out their own ideas which are re-forming along this journey. 

We learn about people as diverse as Woollarawarre Bennelong, Ned Kelly, Caroline Chisolm, John Curtin, Albert Namatjira, Eddie Mabo, Bob Hawke and Kylie Minogue – not everything about them but snippets which inspire curiosity and deeper learning. For example:

  • Wartime Prime Minister John Curtin was 'not the type of man you might expect to be a great wartime leader - he was quiet and modest. ... (s)ome people say he was the greatest prime minister Australia ever had.' 
  • Bob Hawke was ‘a larrikin with brains.’ 

If you think of the key events in Australian history, they are all covered. The Story of Australia is also a social history of our country, with engaging chapters on topics as diverse as women and work, the first AFL Game, the influence of Australian artists and writers and the beginnings of major industry and companies such as BHP.  It highlights Australian achievements, along with the grit and resilience of those who have gone before us. Importantly, it also does not shy away from dark chapters in our history including the dispossession of the First Nations and racist treatment of people from other shores. 

This is an informative and accessible read for students and adults alike, and an enjoyable journey in critical thinking about Australia, its people and their stories. 

Author Don Watson has had a distinguished career as an historian, journalist, policy advisor and speech writer.