Winner of the 2012 NSW Premier's History Award, the Australian History Prize.

Shortlisted for the 2012 Prime Minister's Award, the Prize for Australian History.

McGregor offers a holistic interpretation of the complex relationship between Indigenous and settler Australians during the middle four decades of the twentieth century. Combining the perspectives of political, social and cultural history in a coherent narrative, he provides a cogent analysis of how the relationship changed, and the impediments to change.

McGregor's focus is on the quest for Aboriginal inclusion in the Australia nation; a task which dominated the Aboriginal agenda at the time. McGregor challenges existing scholarship and assumptions, particularly around assimilation. In doing so he provides an understanding of why assimilation once held the approval of many reformers, including Indigenous activists.

He reveals that the inclusion of Aboriginal people in the Australian nation was not a function of political lobbying and parliamentary decision making. Rather, it depended at least as much on Aboriginal people's public profile, and the way their demonstrated abilities partially wore down the apathy and indifference of settler Australians.

Production Details

• Paperback
• 230mm x 155mm x 18mm
• 288pp
• Released September 2011
• ISBN 9780855757793

Contents

Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Preface
Notes on Terminology
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Prologue: The Crimson Thread of Whiteness
Chapter 1: Preserving the National Complexion
Chapter 2: Primitive Possibilities
Chapter 3: Aboriginal Activists Demand Acceptance
Chapter 4: Restricted Reconstruction
Chapter 5: To Live as We Do
Chapter 6: Assimilation and Integration
Chapter 7: Enriching the Nation
Chapter 8: Fellow Australians
Chapter 9: After the Referendum
Epilogue: Unfinished Business
Notes
Select Bibliography
Index

About The Cover

Front cover (composite): House interior courtesy. www.tournorfold.co.uk; Ewald Namatjira, MacDonnell Ranges, estate of the artist 2011, licensed by Aboriginal Artists Agency Lt; Martin Boyd pottery tumbler, courtesy of the National Museum of Australia, photo by George Serras; Cover of Australian Geographical walkabout Magazine, September 1950, the Australian National Travel Association.