Australians mostly live in cities, yet many of our favourite movie characters are working men from the bush. We revere our sporting heroes, yet we prize their larrikin irreverence. Each year we enthusiastically commemorate a battle we lost. What makes us Australian? Why is it so hard to put a finger on what makes us unique? At the beginning of this new century, waves of immigration and our embrace of a wider world have made Australia a highly cosmopolitan culture. This lively collection from across the continent reminds us of our varied heritage, highlights our common connections and sometimes discerns what Peter Goldsworthy calls 'a national temperament'. It shows us we have much of which to be proud. True Blue? draws together novelists, journalists, poets, cultural icons, historians, commentators, photographers and painters, old voices and new voices, who reflect on the stories we tell about ourselves and the myths we cultivate. By turns funny, ironic, penetrating, provocative and inspiring, True Blue? is a great companion for a day at the beach?or in the bush.

Table of Contents

True Blue?includes work by:-Tim Winton-Michael Leunig-David Malouf-Pat Dodson-Geoffrey Blainey-Drusilla Modjeska-Inga Clendinnen-A.D. Hope-Robert Manne-Sally Morgan-Les Murray-Judith Ireland-Jack Davis-Sidney Nolan-Tim Flannery-Kate Genville-Les Carlyon-Waleed Aly-Don Watson-Larissa BehrendtAnd many more

Reviews

'If you want to understand what Australia means in 2008 there cannot be a better introduction.' Bruce Elder, The Sydney Morning Herald