Learn from this most readable of books
Prof Robert Clancy AM
Every Australian at some stage asks the question ?why was European settlement in Australia British?? They learn from school of the European competition for the riches of Cathay and the east, and like me, they wonder how the late-starter, England, won the prize. Jim Bain squarely addresses in a concise, clear and interesting way, exactly this question. He introduces in a balanced and enthusiastic manner, many ideas that are difficult to come by in any accessible text. He draws together events as separated in time as the demarcation lines between territory destined for Portugal and Spain, by the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) and the Eureka Stockade (1854), giving a broad brush context for these otherwise disconnected activities in the achievement of our British origins and character. A striking recognition made in the Preface of this excellent book, is the importance that school children recognise the European imperial conflicts that underpinned the staggering start made by Arthur Phillip?s colony in 1788. ?Uncertain Beginnings? certainly achieves that aim, but the audience that would both enjoy and learn from this most readable of books, is far wider. E/Prof Robert Clancy AM University of Newcastle Newcastle NSW Australia
