John HirstCritiques

This is one of the best, if not the best, history book I have ever read. It covers the history of Europe with a thematic approach. It's short, but does not forego to opportunity to give some details and inject some wry humour. The best chapter by far is the first, where the author provides an interesting view on the flow of history.

Entertaining, wonderfully informative overview of European history from Classical to modern times. I wish there was an edition with larger maps that were easier to see. A great reference book to supplement other history books in your library. Highly recommended.

In this commentary piece Hirst, a prominent historian of Australian history, asks the question were Aboriginal people makers of the game? If so, what role did they play in its creation and development? He looks in particular at the controversy surrounding Gillian Hibbins contribution to the 2008 official history of the game commissioned by the AFL.

New South Wales - Social Life and Customs - 1788-1851; Convicts - New South Wales - Social Conditions; Penal Colonies, British

Wonderful little book that gives an excellent overview of European history. A delightful read.

Informative companion to A. B. Facey's autobiography "A Fortunate Life". The author's focus is on the social history of the pioneering days of Australia and his explanation of social mores and government actions of the time help explain some of the events related in Facey's book, including the behaviour of Facey's mother, which to modern minds seems cruel.
Also provides commentary on some of the 'unspoken' aspects of Facey's world, such as white settler interaction with Aboriginal Australians in the Western Australian cattle / droving industry.

A very interesting book looking at how Europe ended up with the History it has. While a short book at only 142 pages it covers over 2000 years of history looking more at the ideas and reasons that have driven Europe from the Roman Empire to the present day. It is well written and includes a lot of very well supported arguments that give an excellent overview of politics, Language, Religion, Commerce and Agriculture in Europe and how they interact and effect the world we see today.

5