"Ranging from the country's colonial beginnings to its more globally oriented present, the nineteen essays in this volume present a multi-faceted view of the vast land down under. A central theme is the relation of Australian cultural productions to nature and history. Issues explored include problems of race and gender, colonialism and postcolonialism, individual and national identity, subjective experience and international connections. Among others, the essays treat major authors such as Peter Carey, David Malouf, Les Murray, and Judith Wright."--BOOK JACKET.