Australia

Let's face it...that long haul flight is certainly worth it.

Not only that, any Australian will gladly tell you that there is so much more to see and do than what you just see in the brochure!

That's why it's so important to get your travel plans sorted out properly - whether it's Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, or even the Great Barrier Reef - Australia has it all!

Title : Ashes 2005: The Full Story of the Test Series
Author : Gideon Haigh
Rating : 4 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Great summary of a great summer

Haigh is a genuinely witty writer who has a clear love of the game.

The book is a collection of essays written as the test series was taking place and so gives a good feel for the glorious twists and turns of the games in contrast to some of the other Ashes books written with perfect 20:20 hindsight. As an aside, this is probably the only Ashes 2005 book that namechecks the Ramones.

PS: the howler on page 51 (who won the Edgbaston test by 2 runs) has been fixed in the reprinted editions.

Title : Ashes 2005: The Full Story of the Test Series
Author : Gideon Haigh
Rating : 3 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Great writer but...

...it's a shame he's much more interested in the Aussies than England - there are whole chapters on Warne and Ponting and next to nothing on the likes of Simon Jones, Giles and Hoggard. Not even that much on Vaughan's captaincy or, most importantly, the fascinating way England, as a team, wrested the urn back, even after the disaster of Lords. He claims to support England but I doubt it on this showing. It would be understandable had he been writing for an Australian paper but most of this stuff was from the Guardian and Cricinfo.
Mine may be a slightly parochial view, mind you, and as I say, the man can really write.

Title : The Fatal Shore: History of the Transportation of Convicts to Australia, 1787-1868 (Harvill Panther S.)
Author : Robert Hughes
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : A History of British Brutality

Robert Hughes "The Fatal Shore" is a compelling, readable, and meticuously documented account of the settlement of Australia. More than that, it provides within that harrowing story a picture of 18th and 19th Century penal attitudes the biases and prejudices of which can still,too often, be recognised in contemporary penal practice. In particular, the story of Alexander Moconochie's reforms on Norfolk Island, and their rejection, is a tale of overwhelming tragedy.
This cruel and bitter saga is yet another illustration of a recurring theme in British history, of how the protection of the wealth and property of a few has always had priority over the common good. The multiplication of capital offences under George 111, and his brutal penal regime, did little to deter the poverty stricken agricultural and industrial labourers of that era. The greatest fear of the industrial capitalists and the wealthy landowners was a revolution of the dispossessed, and to transport this threat to the other side of the globe, and so eliminate it, was the safest way to secure the status quo. Although Hughes does not labour this point he does vividly show how the demonisation of a class, and the extreme brutality that accompanied it, led to a penal system that lasted for more than half a century. For convicts to resist the thuggery of the State was futile, but to resist, and so suffer more brutality, was, ironically,the only way to retain the last flickering of humanity and personal integrity.
The book is a timely reminder that the core values that have shaped British history have changed little, and demonisation is still used to protect and sustain political and corporate interests.
A stimulating, readable, and masterly account of the British Gulag and of those who suffered in the grip of its iron fist. Highly recommended.

Title : Xenophobe's Guide to Kiwis (Xenophobe's Guide S.)
Author : Christine Cole Catley
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Funny and informative!

If you're thinking about going to New Zealand anytime soon, I would highly recommend reading this book first! It's hilarious, short and dead-on. In less than 100 pages, you'll get a very thorough introduction to the culture and people of New Zealand which will make your visit all the more amusing as you discover the stuff you've just read about to be perfectly true.

Title : Living and Working in Australia: A City by City Guide
Author : Roberta Duman
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : The Best!

I had no idea about coping with life in Australia when I first went out there but taking this book along with me helped me no end - it had everything I needed, from Brit tips on surviving abroad to dealing with TV repairmen who don't want to help you! I would recommend this book to anyone who is moving to Oz, even if they're only going for a short amount of time - it will be worth it!

Title : Aboriginal Art (World of Art S.)
Author : Wally Caruana
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Lovely little paper back book about Australian Art

I bought this book for my son as a reference guide for his GCSE Art. The original at school had been knicked as it was so popular.

He produced a Brilliant piece of work inspired by it's content and pictures. He used ther inspiration from the art to produce a map from his home to school in the style of the Aboriginees on a massive pot from BQ.

If you want a great little book on the subject then buy this.

Title : Xenophobe's Guide to Kiwis (Xenophobe's Guide S.)
Author : Christine Cole Catley
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Brilliant work

Brilliant work which shows great insight into the beliefs and fables of New Zealanders in both a contemporary and historical context, in a humorous way which reflects the Kiwi ability to laugh at themselves I am sure there isn't a New Zealander around who couldn't recognize the traits portrayed in either themselves or people they know. I also have no doubt that in time the guide will be seen as an important historical resource #8211; where else can you find accurate and pertinent data spanning generations of New Zealanders in just 63 pages!

The authors are to be congratulated for truly encapsulating the Kiwi trait of being able to laugh at themselves.

The most hilarious book I have read in ages.

Restaurant In Australia and Australia online resources.