The Enlightenment and the Origins of European Australia [Hardcover]

John Gascoigne (Author), Patricia Curthoys (Contributor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521803438 | ISBN-13: 978-0521803434 | Publication Date: August 5, 2002

This book surveys some of the key intellectual influences in the formation of Australian society by emphasizing the impact of the Enlightenment, with its commitment to rational inquiry and progress. The first part analyzes the political and religious background of the period from the First Fleet (1788) to the mid-nineteenth century. The second demonstrates the pervasiveness of ideas of improvement across a range of human endeavors, from agriculture to education, penal discipline and race relations. Throughout, the book highlights the extent to which developments in Australia can be compared with those in Britain and the U.S.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...this is an extremely valuable contribution to the literature on colonial Australia and the ideological origins of European expansion more generally, dealing with political issues still pressing in post-colonial societies and setting grounds for future research." Itinerario

"...a stimulating, enjoyable, and accessible contribution to the intellectual history of Australia. Both the author and the publisher are to be congratulated." American Historical Review

"...exhaustively researched and gracefully written...It is a masterly study of how the ideas of Locke, Bentham and Paine suffused the institutions of the colony." London Review of Books

"The book is elegantly produced, with apposite illustrations and a bibliography that rewards both specialist and generalist readers ... a handsome and scholarly book." The International History Review

"...excellent reading for students and scholars alike who want to inform themselves about the influence of the Enlightenment, the improvement ethic, and science in early Australia." Isis

"[A] useful summary of the ideas that influenced the growth of the European settlement in Australia. Recommended." Choice

Book Description

This book surveys some of the key intellectual influences in the formation of Australian society by emphasising the impact of the Enlightenment with its commitment to rational enquiry and progress. The first part of the book analyses the political and religious background of the period from the First Fleet (1788) to the mid nineteenth century. The second demonstrates the pervasiveness of ideas of improvement across a range of human endeavours, from agriculture to education, penal discipline and race relations.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (August 5, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521803438
• ISBN-13: 978-0521803434
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,117,710 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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0 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars An Ugly Transplant of Misconception, October 3, 2003

By 

gregory morse (Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Enlightenment and the Origins of European Australia (Hardcover)

I wouldn't describe it as enlightened behaviour. But, in summary, the invasion has been an abject failure.
This transplant of flotsam and jetsam - that they presume to call a culture - is merely an unwelcome transplant wallowing in a miasma of its own making and irrelevance.
Wouldn't it be great if it had been the Aboriginals who started all those bushfires.
That awful little syncophant, Howard, would indignantly call them terrorists, I'm sure.