Australia Books

I thought when reading "The Flesheaters" that David Ireland's writing was something like that of Bret Easton Ellis ("American Psycho"), or the other way round. There is a dry quality to it, as though the writer is being very sparing of his words and a sort of inflammability in the prose so that you never quite know what's likely to happen next. This sparse writing, although it may use masses of text at the same time, creates a tension which holds the reader in thrall to some extent. I can imagine that not everyone will like it.

The end result is a dramatic situation which is rendered imminently plausible by this technique of keeping the reader off guard. I found myself admiring it the more I read. The novel is not an easy one to accept. The proposition involved has one squirming, though at no time did I think of giving the book up. On the contrary, the increasing uneasiness engendered by the plot was being masterfully counterbalanced by the tight control of the writer. At the end, I could only take my hat off to a fine, possibly a great accomplishment. Having read Ireland before with considerable pleasure ("The Glass Canoe," "The Chantic Bird"), "The Flesheaters" confirmed to me that I was in the hands of a first-class Australian author. I must say that was a relief, since there has been quite a bit of published work from Down Under in the last decade or two that has left me utterly cold.

Love, adventure and seafaring around the world. A little known but very real story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, at the time of the last great world discoveries. That the protagonists were often performing heroic feats against their will, as in the case of the deported prostitutes, makes the tale even more captivating. This was enjoyable reading, instructive history and made you feel like you were one of the crew!

this is a beautiful book. spare prose & excellent illustrations show the reader one of nature's mysteries in Australia. i was disappointed to find it out of print.

This volume inlcudes a key to all of the species of Eucalyptus found in Australia. Unlike other books which require several volumes to cover all of the eucalypts (i.e., Brooker and Kleinig's "Field Guide to Eucalypts," Vols. 1-3), this volume is all-inclusive and is not divided by geographical region. The black and white drawings in this volume are excellent as well. As a field biologist in California, I find it very useful. In sum, this book is an excellent resource for anyone needing to identify Eucalytps.

It was recommended by a professor, and I learned a lot from it.

In Flying Foxes, Fruit And Blossom Bats Of Australia, two acknowledged authorities on Australia's bats, Leslie Hall and Greg Richards, effective collaborate to produce an informative, illustrated guide to Australia's thirteen species of Megachiroptera -- the "mega" bats. While these bats are nocturnal, they live in forests rather than caves, they navigate by sight rather than radar-like sound reflection (echolocation), and their long snouts and large ears and eyes give them a canine-like appearance and the resultant appellation of "flying foxes". Flying Foxes discusses such controversial matters as these creatures being kept as pets, the management of flying fox populations, and recent incidents of viral diseases being transmitted from the bats to humans. The informative, authoritative, comprehensive text is enhanced with line drawings by Louise Saunders and twenty-nine superbly presented color photographs (including many by acclaimed wildlife photographer, Theo Allofs). A highly recommended addition to exotic wildlife reference collections, Flying Foxes, Fruit And Blossom Bats Of Australia is also available in a trade paperback format (1575241765, $21.50).

Fodor's 2000 Australia gave very clear and concise information about all areas in Australia. The book begins with beautiful color photos and brief information highlighting attractions in the different regions of Australia. Then it goes into great detail providing information about things to do, places to stay, where to eat, and available tours. There is a wide range of listings encompassing all price ranges. Sample itineraries are provided as well as a multitude of addresses and phone numbers for travel guides. There are local maps throughout, as well as a full size pull-out map. The book is organized nicely and perfect for someone who is interested in planning a trip to Australia.

This book is pretty thorough. I haven't gone on my trip yet, but I feel much more confident traveling with this book in hand. I'm very pleased and the information is all relevant to this year. Written clearly and concisely and something for every budget.

This guide was concise and easy to find things in. It divided the city into the various regions and had what there was to see and do in each area. It was a great fast reference tool for activities and places to see.

If you are using this guide for hotel and restaurant info, that is where it is a bit lacking and I would refer you to another book or to the fodors.com website where on the message boards you can ask Australians or prior travelers about first hand experiences.

Truly a guide to what there is to see and do when in Sydney! (And I hope if you travel there you will love it as much as my new husband and I did!)

Being on a long term stay in New Zealand, we have received nearly all the travel guides as gifts. This on is by far and away the most functional. It is not merely a laundry list of sites and hotels, but includes rankings and other information to prioritize your visit. It helps enable you to get the most out of the time you have available. Strongly recomended