Description

Spinifex and Hessian: Women's Lives in North-western Australia, 1860-1900 is a historical non-fiction book by Susan Jane Hunt, first published in 1986. This work offers a powerful and often unvarnished look at the experiences of women on the frontier of Western Australia's North-West. The book moves beyond romanticized notions of colonial life to explore the difficult and often dangerous existence of women from all walks of life, including pastoralists' wives, servants, teachers, prostitutes, and especially the Aboriginal women whose country was overrun by the settlers. Hunt's research brings to light the hardships, resilience, and unique roles these women played in the development of the region during a period of European pastoral, pearling, and mining expansion. This is a significant and important work for anyone interested in Australian women's history and the social history of the colonial frontier.

Synopsis

Title: Spinifex and Hessian: Women in Northwest Australia, 1860-1900
Author/Publisher: Susan Hunt (Uwa Publishing)
Publication Year: 1987
Format: 168-page Trade Paperback

Published in 1987, Susan Hunt's "Spinifex and Hessian" is a seminal work in Australian social science, offering a compelling and meticulous examination of women's lives in the challenging North-western region of Australia between 1860 and 1900.

This important non-fiction study ventures beyond romanticised portrayals of colonial existence, shedding light on the often arduous and overlooked experiences of women who pioneered, lived, and toiled in this remote and demanding frontier environment. It provides a vital contribution to understanding Australian history through a gendered lens, firmly rooting its analysis in the specific period of late 19th-century expansion.

• Life on the Frontier: The book meticulously details the daily realities and extraordinary challenges faced by women in North-western Australia, a region symbolised by the resilient 'Spinifex' grass and the utilitarian 'Hessian' fabric, signifying hardship and resourcefulness.
• Challenging Narratives: Hunt provides an unvarnished account, moving beyond conventional historical narratives to explore the often difficult and dangerous circumstances that shaped the identities and contributions of women during this pivotal colonial era.
• Social and Historical Context: As a work of social science and women's studies, it thoroughly investigates the broader social structures, cultural expectations, and historical events that defined the roles and experiences of women within the burgeoning settlements of the time.

As a first edition, this work stands as a significant contribution to Australian historical scholarship, particularly within the fields of women's studies and colonial history. It is an invaluable resource for collectors and scholars interested in the social fabric of Australia's past and the often-untold stories of its pioneering women.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Good condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

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