An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aboriginal Life by A. W. Reed

An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aboriginal Life

by A. W. Reed

Illustrated by Ray Wenban and E. H. Papps

A. H. & A. W. Reed, 1969, [First Edition], colour illustrated plates, black and white line drawings in text, decorated endpapers, hardcover, dustjacket

Very Good Condition, a little edge and shelf wear, no inscriptions, dustjacket shows a little edge and shelf wear with some rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, small chips and tears to edges (see photographs)

“For many years there has been a need for a simple, comprehensive reference book which would give answers to questions about the Australian Aborigines, and which would illustrated all aspects of Aboriginal life.
The present encyclopedia satisfies these needs.  It deals with the life of the Aborigines before the coming of the white man and puts into one readable volume and in alphabetical form, a popularly-written but valuable and detailed survey of the work of research students and anthropologists over a long period of time.
There are nearly 300 major entries (e.g. Burial Customs, Corroborees, Hunting, Initiation Ceremonies, Languages, Relations, Religious Beliefs, Songs, Totemism, Tribes etc.) and these are supported by cross-references to related subjects and alternative headings.  The book contains some 90,000 words, and it will be evident that the text has been written to give maximum information consistent with simple, direct writing.
This is an encyclopedia for home and school, as well as for serious students of Aboriginal life and custom.”