Important book, but read critically

A very interesting book. It's safe to say that many aboriginal groups cannot accurately be described as solely hunter gatherers. However, the author stretches the evidence further than is warranted in many places. For instance, he cites the lack of archaeological evidence of large scale warfare as showing that aboriginal people never engaged in group-on-group conflict. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. This sort of Rousseauian fantasizing persists throughout the book. The final chapter begins with an anti-European screed - wondering aloud whether China would have been a better colonial power (the actions of modern China to its neighbours puts the lie to this) and implies at multiple points that Aboriginal people should have more rights than other Australians to 'make up for dispossession'. The chapter somewhat redeems itself with its environmental message at the end. We have a lot to learn from the first Australians about managing the land, but this book often uncritically places them on a pedestal, and seems to think they are exempted from the sorts of psychological flaws that characterise the rest of our species; territoriality, aggression, dominance hierarchies and leader worship. A more balanced and nuanced view would have been appreciated.

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128 people found this helpful

Must Read for Every Australian

This books takes you on a journey of discovery, unearthing the ways of Indigenous Australia that are kept buried deep in the earth and in the historical records of the first colonisers. Taking extracts from the diaries of some of the first white contact in areas across Australia a very different picture is shown of the depth of knowledge that was completely ignored and destroyed as sheep and people displaced traditional practices. There is so much to learn from this for us to go forward and by honouring and relearning these practices repair some of the damage that we do today. It is a story of optimism for the future.

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18 people found this helpful

Must read for any Australian or historian

One of the rare books that just click. It filled in a part of world history that I didn't know was missing but immediately made sense. If you are familiar with theories around pre-agricultural societies, "hunter-gatherers" and the rise of civilisation, this book will make a lot of sense. Only criticisms might be that the author does labour a point at times, but that can be forgiven.

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1 person found this helpful

Open your eyes to our true Australian History!

Discover the truth about how our traditional owners managed the land and available resources. Sustainable and harmonious practices that are more relevant than ever. Definitely life lessons to be learnt here. A must listen...

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Looking Forward!

This book is a revelation! Everything we were taught in school about Australian Aboriginal culture is incorrect. I sincerely hope the curriculum changes. Adults looking for an accurate account of this incredible culture should listen/read this book. I found it a little dry at times but that is the nature history. Push through these passages and uncover the fascinating culture that holds important lessons for a sustainable future.

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Amazing book

Wonderfully narrated. Every Australian should read this and commit to hearing history from an Aboriginal perspective.

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A glimpse of the truth

Research such as this needs a platform so as to be able to reach a wider audience and let history’s truths be told.

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Must read / listen

Amazing and incredibly informative … loved every aspect and will def re visit for a second possibly 3rd listen. Bruce’s voice was captivating

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A must read for all Australians

This book will change many Australians opions on our countries history and the lives of Aboriginal people before Europeans. Eye opening and a must read.

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Eye opening

I learnt so much, it really opened my eyes to what indigenous culture looked like pre invasion. Fascinating to hear about the crops and housing and farming ways. Can wait to eat some of the plants mentioned

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