
A Short History of Australia (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. European Discovery, Colonial Expansion, Responsible Government, and Federation in the Making of a CommonwealthBy Ernest ScottLength17h 38m
About this audiobook
Ernest Scott's A Short History of Australia is a compact yet ambitious survey of the continent's recorded past, moving from European discovery and maritime exploration through settlement, colonial expansion, responsible government, and Federation. Written in a lucid, orderly prose characteristic of early twentieth-century national histories, it privileges political development, imperial connection, and institutional growth. Its perspective reflects its age: concise, patriotic, and often more attentive to settler achievement than to Indigenous experience. Scott, an English-born scholar who became one of Australia's leading academic historians, was Professor of History at the University of Melbourne and a major figure in shaping the discipline locally. His career in journalism and historical research gave him both narrative clarity and documentary discipline. Writing at a time when Australia was defining its national identity within the British Empire, Scott sought to provide readers with an accessible account of how scattered colonies became a Commonwealth. This book is recommended to readers interested in Australian history, historiography, and the formation of national memory. It remains valuable not only for its narrative of events but also as a revealing example of how early Australian historians understood the country's origins and destiny.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreHistory
Length17 hrs 38 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 10, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
8A Short History of Australia (pt. 4)
2Introduction
9A Short History of Australia (pt. 5)
3Synopsis
10A Short History of Australia (pt. 6)
4Historical Context
11A Short History of Australia (pt. 7)
5A Short History of Australia (pt. 1)
12Analysis
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6A Short History of Australia (pt. 2)
13Reflection
7A Short History of Australia (pt. 3)
14Memorable Quotes