The First Australians by R. M. and C. H. Berndt

The First Australians

by R. M. and C. H. Berndt

Walkabout Pocketbooks

Ure Smith, 1969, colour and black and white photographic plates, black and white illustrations, paperback

Very Good Condition, minor edge and shelf wear, minor rubbing and bumping to edges, no inscriptions (see photographs)

“Traditional Australian Aboriginal life is rapidly receding – just at a time when interest in its is increasing.  With this interest has come, perhaps too late, the realization that Australia, the real Australia, is not to be defined or seen simply in European terms.  But because the rich heritage of the Aborigines is slipping away almost before our eyes, attention is being focused more and more on the part these people have begun to play and will increasingly play in the development of Australia.
These two distinct aspects of Aboriginal life form the basis of this volume.  We see the Aborigines first against the general background of Australia today.  Then their rich and colourful traditional organization, influenced by their semi-nomadic way of living and their reliance on the natural resources of the countryside; their sense of belonging to their environment, living in intimate association with all about them; the emphasis on co-operation among themselves particularly in regard to economic responsibilities; their religion, singing, dancing and art.”