Australia Books

My kids loved this book. It's sing-songy and moves at a good pace.

If your children enjoyed "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" as toddlers, then they will probably enjoy Snap! (the recommended age is 3-7, which seems accurate to me). The illustrations and the repetitive rhymes are similar to "Brown Bear, Brown Bear", yet more advanced and appealing to older children because the animals interact and play games (and suffer a mishap, but I won't spoil it).

Snap! by Marcia K. Vaughan is an engaging tale of what happens to baby Joey when he decides to go play while Mama Roo takes a nap. He meets lots of Australian animal friends and learns lots of new games, but Joey has to think of a game to save the day after Sly-tooth the crocodile invites the friends to play Snap! We used this book to study Australia during the Sydney Olympic Games and had loads of fun!

I am a Somali Court Interpreter in Ontario, Canada.

I bought this book online. My money was well spent, ie I am very satisfied with the way this book is written.

The author wrote the book for the court interpreters, but I beleive it also benefits the Somali law students in the Western, English-speaking nations.

This is Strehlow's most widely regarded work and the culmination of his anthropological work related to the Aranda (Arunta) people of the Alice Springs region. In this work Strehlow records the patrilineal chants or songs of the Aranda people and puts them into a wider context of totemic cultural understanding. Of particular interest is Chapter 10, the love songs of the Aranda people, which pre-date European romantic conventions by several thousand years.

This is one of the greatest books ever written in australia. The introduction and background is too long however the book presents 50 years of first hand research. Songs is one of the greatest anthropological books ever written. Sadly only 1000 copies were published and due to australian indigenous politics, as the book deals with the secret sacred, it will not be reprinted by the current copyright holders.
We will have to live with its rareity until copyright expires around 2044 approx.
The book covers all aspects of aboriginal religion, beliefs and ties together the songs, myths and drama of aboriginal ritual.
ted strehlow continued the work of his father carl strehlow.
Typical price for book has been $3500 ebay to $6000 retail

This work is yet another great accomplishment of the Australian National Dictionary Centre. It is a welcome addition to any serious library of Australian culture and complements the previous important works such as 'Tassie Terms' and 'Words from the West', etc. Indeed the author has also made an important contribution to the other companion volume 'Words of Queensland' and she needs no introduction. The title of this collection is taken from two random entries: the former referring to a variety of edible larvae and the latter a kind of food (perhaps coined by analogy with toad in the hole?). The dictionary presents historical Australian dialect from the South rather than a general collection of modern colloquial 'Aussie Strine' (for which other excellent Dinkum Ozzie slang dictionaries should be consulted).
This dictionary presents not one but seven seperate glossaries all of which constitute the distinct form(s) of Australian English which is spoken in South Australia. The first section includes some fascinating entries derived from the various Aboriginal languages which are spoken in this particular territory. Many of these pertain to unique animal species such as the 'kowari' and the 'tarkawarra', varieties of fruit like the 'karkalla' and even ususual weapons like the 'katta'. There is also the word 'kirra' which is the local name for the boomerang.
The second glossary contains vocabulary that pertains to the colonial era and convicts. For instance, it is in this glossary we learn that the nickname for South Australians 'Croweaters' derives from the belief that the early colonists were believed to eat crows. The third rich glossary is perhaps one of the most interesting sections of the book. This lists a wide range of Cornish Dialect words which were brought to Australia by the Cousin Jacks ( the world's greatest miners). Naturally, many of the entries in this section e.g. 'bal friend' (workmate - from 'bal' meaning mine) are related to the mining industry yet there are also a great deal of other interesting words that provide details about other aspects of Cornish culture and food etc. In some cases dialectologists will notice a distinct use of certain phrases as well as unique Cornish Australian words that are not met in the actual Cornish Dialect forms as spoken in Cornwall. There are even some words in this section which are derived not from the Cornish Dialect but from the old Cornish Language itself.
The next fascinating section constitutes a glossary of words used by the German Lutheran immigrants. One dialect (Barossa Deutsch) is more similar to standard German than the analogous Pennsylvanian 'Dutch' still spoken in America. Due to the integration of this interesting community with their neighbours, many of the words are understood even by non-German South Australians. Indeed, they have even coined terms like 'German' cake' and 'German wagon' by allusion to this community. The remaining three sections are entitled 'Wealth from the Land', 'The Outback' and 'The Lifestyle State' and the content of each is equally of interest. The seven sections in all provide approximately 500 fascinating and little-known entries, all of which are explained in detail. Etymologies usually accompany the terms and pertinent quotations are invariably cited to illustrate their use. This is an essential reference tool not only for lovers of Australian culture but also for anyone interested in dialectology and folklore.

This book by Rob Oliver, not only contains beautiful graphics of the South West of Western Australia, but its consise history and general information of this area make it a MUST HAVE read. It would make an ideal "coffee table" book and should be available to every tourist establishment in the region. Too often visitors miss these wonderful places that Rob has covered because they "didn't know about them".

Written and illustrated by Rob Oliver, The South West: From Dawn Till Dusk is an utterly stunning, full-color photographic showcase of the glory of nature in the diverse landscapes of Western's Australia's southwest region stretching from Mandurah to Albany. A thoughtful and informative text is enhanced with simply gorgeous color photography documenting and showcasing lavish landscapes, as well as offering the reader social history, background information, and even legends. The South West is a welcome contribution to Photography and Australian Cultural reference collections, and is particularly recommended for tourists, naturalists, and armchair travelers with an abiding interest in spectacular, wild, and hauntingly beautiful nature.

Ever since the legal cases against the Census Bureau in 1980, statisticians have played a much more visible role testifying and providing depositions in legal cases. Due to the adversarial role lawyers play in trials we are seeing each side pit their expert statistician against the other. Many times the statistical evidence is confusing to the jury and/or the judges and the testimony tends to cancel out with verdicts being decided by other means. It is important to keep things simple. In the case about undercount adjustment for the Census in 1980, eminent statisticians argued on both sides. There was no right or wrong answer. Everything hinged on what statistical models you are willing to believe. Unfortunately, such cases revive the old adages that make statisticians kringe, "you can prove anything with statistics" and "lies, damn lies and statistics".

With the advent of DNA evidence, statisticians are asked to compute matching probablities to determine the likelihood that a suspect is the person whose DNA was found at the crime scene. The results can be overwhelming but even a statistician with expertise in DNA matching can be tripped up by clever high priced lawyers. Such was the case when Bruce Weir testified on national television in the O. J. Simpson case.

Joe Gastwirth has contributed to the statistical research applied to legal problems over the past 20 years at least and he has published a book on the subject. In this volume, he compiles a number of case stories and statistical issues in legal cases told by many very capable statisticians including Alan Izenman, Jay Kadane, Bruce Weir, Seymour Geisser, Don Rubin, Joe Gastwirth himself,David Pollard and Scott Zeger. These are all fascinating tales that will especially be appreciated by lawyers and statisticians. But this is also worthwhile reading for the general public. Read the preface, where Gastwirth gives you a synopsis of these articles.

One of my favorites is the article by Seymour Geisser who tells a sad tale about how statistical issues relating to problems in the analysis of DNA evidence is covered up by the FBI. This is taken to the extent of influencing the refereeing process for journal publications, a shocking tale!

Unfortunately even though DNA evidence can be as conclusive as a fingerprint, human error in processing the evidence can create doubt about the matching process or even pursuade a jury that evidence was planted or a defendant frame. Such things are possible and defense lawyers now exist who are up to the task of creating such doubt as was done masterfully by Johnny Cochran and Barry Scheck in the O.J. trial.

Ever since the legal cases against the Census Bureau in 1980, statisticians have played a much more visible role testifying and providing depositions in legal cases. Due to the adversarial role lawyers play in trials we are seeing each side pit their expert statistician against the other. Many times the statistical evidence is confusing to the jury and/or the judges and the testimony tends to cancel out with verdicts being decided by other means. It is important to keep things simple. In the case about undercount adjustment for the Census in 1980, eminent statisticians argued on both sides. There was no right or wrong answer. Everything hinged on what statistical models you are willing to believe. Unfortunately, such cases revive the old adages that make statisticians kringe, "you can prove anything with statistics" and "lies, damn lies and statistics".
With the advent of DNA evidence, statisticians are asked to compute matching probablities to determine the likelihood that a suspect is the person whose DNA was found at the crime scene. The results can be overwhelming but even a statistician with expertise in DNA matching can be tripped up by clever high priced lawyers. Such was the case when Bruce Weir testified on national television in the O. J. Simpson case.

Joe Gastwirth has contributed to the statistical research applied to legal problems over the past 20 years at least and he has published a book on the subject. In this volume, he compiles a number of case stories and statistical issues in legal cases told by many very capable statisticians including Alan Izenman, Jay Kadane, Bruce Weir, Seymour Geisser, Don Rubin, Joe Gastwirth himself,David Pollard and Scott Zeger. These are all fascinating tales that will especially be appreciated by lawyers and statisticians. But this is also worthwhile reading for the general public. Read the preface, where Gastwirth gives you a synopsis of these articles.

One of my favorites is the article by Seymour Geisser who tells a sad tale about how statistical issues relating to problems in the analysis of DNA evidence is covered up by the FBI. This is taken to the extent of influencing the refereeing process for journal publications, a shocking tale!

Unfortunately even though DNA evidence can be as conclusive as a fingerprint, human error in processing the evidence can create doubt about the matching process or even pursuade a jury that evidence was planted or a defendant frame. Such things are possible and defense lawyers now exist who are up to the task of creating such doubt as was done masterfully by Johnny Cochran and Barry Scheck in the O.J. trial.

This is a wonderful book, a true story about a man who rose from humble beginnings (nearly starving and walking through a desert to find work) who rose to lead his State in crises and then became a major and respected international Statesman. Sir Hal Colebatch's story should be more widely known, for it casts light on many forgotten aspects of Australia's history before, during and after the Second World War. He was not only an inspiring Statesman, ever conscious of trade as the great force for peace, but in many ways a delightful character. A physically courageous man, he survived an assassination attempt by waterside thugs in 1919, and morally courageous as well, he sacrificed several opportunities in his political career rather than compromise his principles, and spent much of political life fighting powerful vested interests. He emerges too as a delightful compainon in many ways, wise, witty and learned, though he had to leave school at the age of 11. This book, written by the son who was born in his old age, deserves to become a classic.

This is the life of a great Australian who has been in danger of being forgotten. Sir Hal Colebatch left school at 11 and a few years later walked through the desert to the Coolgardie gold-rushes. He camped in a tent, wrapped in newspaper, and when he got a type-writer became a journalist.

A few years later he was chess champion of Western Australia and a few years after that Mining Editor of a major Perth Newspaper. He entered Parliament, became Premier of Western Australia in 1919 and had to cope with the Spanish 'flu epidemic and a major riot on the wharfs. That was in the first quarter of his political career!

He later became Minister for Education, setting up the first country high-schools, West Australian representative in London, editor of the State's official history in 1929 and entered the Senate. There he refused to attend Party meetings on the grounds the Senate was not a Party house, but achieved some important economic reforms. In London again, he was involved in the West Australian secession campaign and, more seriously, travelled to Germany and met leading anti-Nazis who were trying to forestall Nazism by breaking down Germany's trade isolation. He also met Hitler, Goering, Goebbels and other Nazi bosses and was taken on a tour of an early concentration camp.

He also had dealings with Winston Churchill and many other prominent figures. Posted back to Australia in 1939, he campaigned tirelessly for a stronger Australian war-effort, and, after the war, for rational economic and trade policies. A life-long, and often very lonely, free-trader and campaigner against tariffs and other trade-barriers, many of his ideas have since been vindicated. He also worked for other forms of international co-operation.

His first wife died in 1940. He re-married in 1944 and the son of his second marriage, Hal GP Colebatch, a well-known poet, novelist, lawyer and political scientist, has written an absorbing book, charming, scholarly, perceptive, but also detached and objective.

I am so glad I discovered this book! It has given me much to think about and as well as being a warm human document has broadened my appreciation of West Australian history.

Terri Irwin allows us to step into her life with her husband, Steve, and their family, showing us the passion they have for their wildlife conservation cause and each other. I don't know how she found the strength to write this book. I still can't think about her loss without getting emotional. But she has done a wonderful job!

Steve and Terri brought us closer to wildlife than we had ever come before. I grew up watching those animal specials that used the "long lens" and none of that compares to watching Steve handle a poisonous snake or the entire zoo team wrangle a feisty crocodile. Through those moments we could feel the tension of the crew, the surge of their adrenalin and the power of the animal. But more than anything, what was most clear was his love and passion for all of the creatures he encountered.

I just saw a repeat of an Animal Planet special where Steve says, "Come with me" on my journey. Terri takes us along on that journey from her perspective and shows us that it's not over. She and her children are still following the road the two of them forged together. And it's clear that Steve's legacy will carry them on into more wild adventures.

If I had to rename Terri Irwin's book, I'd title it: The Layers of Persons' Lives: Steve and Terri Irwin. The true title "Steve & Me: Life With the Crocodile Hunter" (Thorndike Press) is chock full of surprises, delights, plus much practical information about Australia, its wildlife, customs, traditions, and conservation efforts.

It should not surprise anyone to hear Terri Irwin's intelligence. But, I think many readers will be surprised. She "starred" on the television shows with her husband and daughter, Bindi, too few times (in my opinion) and many people might under-estimate Terri by her short TV narrations. But reading her book shows without question Terri Irwin's depth of knowledge about wildlife and her adopted homeland. She writes ~beautifully~. It's delightful--although painful--to read in her own words the transitions she made in her life, from single and woman protecting wildlife, to meeting Steve...falling in love...hoping he'd call...certain he would not...to visiting him a second time... to of course, their wedding.

Delights continue with reading her first-person accounts of Stevo, her first treks into the bush, how she learned about the land and animals--and of course, her descriptions of Steve and their private and public lives. Terri --and Steve-- were never just two bumpkins running a roadside animal attraction. Both have a sixth sense about animals that Terri describes so well in her writing. But the backdrop for many fans will always be the fairy tale romance these two favorite persons shared. Chance meeting---fate? Yes, fate--with a destiny, a purpose, a life's purpose these two wildlife warriors shared, valued, pursued.

Terri leads readers along her journey into Steve's world, the world she would soon share. The trip she describes, however, also educates readers about Australia's bush and animals. Much of the terrain, the country itself, makes a fascinating read. She takes readers along on many of their private, and scientific, journeys, and introduces different animals and reptiles much as speaking of special and loved persons. Readers can feel the bumps on the trip along the fenceline...and hear the ocean at the end of their long trip. There's also realistic mentions of horrors mankind commits against poor, defenseless animals. As nasty as these stories are to stomach, Terri shows Steve's and her own passion to protect the wildlife the entire Irwin family has long loved.

Yes, The Layers of Persons' Lives would make a suitable subtitle. Terri Irwin certainly writes eloquently about those layers, in Steve and in herself.

Readers should expect to smile, to laugh, to cringe, to cry...to feel informed, included, engrossed...and to sob, deeply, as Terri finally describes Steve's death and how she and her family have grieved along the way. Her book will certainly fullfill readers' expectations--and much more than they expect.

Just a lovely book, Terri. Lovely. All best wishes in the coming years.

It would be hard to suggest my review is subjective, since I worked with Bill Laurance in the rainforests of north Queensland in those hot, humid and heady years, and am also in the book-though its appearance in print was a great surprise. Nonetheless, for the reader, biologist, or armchair traveler, this book has a bit of everything. Laurance describes his pursuit of a Ph.d in biology with candor, insight and humor. It was an incredible time in Australia, and for once, at least, the forests won: much of Australia's remaining lowland and montaine rainforest was protected by World Heritage designation and the Rat Patrol and Higher Mammal Crew (led by Laurance) were right in the thick of it. Bill describes the realities of field work: the sheer physical aspect of being in the rainforest, the thrill of encountering relict and highly adapted species, the tension with local townspeople who make their living in extractive industries like logging, and the constant infusion of travelers and characters who were recruited to the little house on Coral Street. Small town, Australia is accurately depicted in the pages of this book: the miners, the timber cutters, pastoralists and plain drunks, most who ultimately come to respect Dr. Laurance and his work. Laurance also describes his travels in New Guinea, including several dangerous and hilarious encounters with local tribesman. Throughout are scattered insights about biology: why for example there are few aquatic marsupials (they would drown in a pouch), and human nature. My only complaint with the book, is that Laurance got the details of my own expedition in search of Morelia carinata with Geoff Cunningham substantially wrong: We did not lose our packs and food in a river crossing in the Kimberley, but walked 42 days to the coast for a rendezvous with a boat that never arrived due to a cyclone. After waiting ten days at the coast, we walked 168 miles to the nearest cattle station on the edge of nowhere. We did not eat anything but grasshoppers and wild figs for ten days, and were grateful to emerge from the outback with our lives. But, since I lost touch with Bill for 5 years, I can imagine he might get those details mixed up. All in all, it's a wonderful book, and a real insight into the challenges of field biology and habitat conservation. Laurance's post-script is a call to action to halt the destruction of rainforests around the world. Get involved. As he used to say, "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem."

After reading a wonderful review in the Chronical of Higher Education, I knew that I had to get my hands on this book.

Similar to Tim Flannery's Throwim Way Leg, Stinging Trees and Wait-a-Whiles recounts a biologist's travels and adventures into the Australian rainforest with his dog (Tulley) and a motley crew of volunteer research assistants.

Although Bill Laurance is a brilliant scientist, he is also a gifted writer who has the ability to spin dry field notes into witty reading.

I highly recommend this book!

When you are too busy to read another book - this is the book to read! I found "Success with Simplicity" easy to read and helpful with simplying a few of my own day-to-day complications. David writes in a creative "lay-person's" style that makes reading about business improvement easy to understand and enjoyable. 5 Stars!

Success with simplicity is an easy to read reflection on today's business and managing issues. It draws beautifully on modern product examples of genius by simplicity. The witty cross reference of private family life with situations of the business context made me laugh and cry at the same time. Most managers and consultants with a family will benefit from these déjà-vues and simple conclusions for the next working day. Including the practical advice from the experience of the author, this book comes as a highly recommended change from the usual increasingly complex business tools of current fashion.