Description

Wild Australia is a non-fiction book and exhibition catalogue by Michael Aird, Mandana Mapar, and Paul Memmott, published in 2015. This book documents the fascinating and controversial history of the "Wild Australia Show," a traveling troupe of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers who toured Australia in 1892 and 1893. The project was conceived by a Queensland journalist and entrepreneur, Archibald Meston, who intended to take the troupe on a world tour. This book serves as a vital historical record, using a collection of previously unpublished photographs by Charles Kerry and Henry King to put names and faces to the performers. It delves into the exploitation and representation of Indigenous people in colonial Australia, while also highlighting the strength and resilience of the performers themselves. Wild Australia is an essential resource for those interested in Australian history, Indigenous studies, and the history of photography and performance in Australia.

Synopsis

Title: Wild Australia
Author/Publisher: Michael Aird
Publication Year: 2015
Format: Illustrated Paperback

Published in 2015, Michael Aird's "Wild Australia" is a compelling non-fiction work and exhibition catalogue, offering a meticulous examination of a pivotal, albeit controversial, moment in Australia's social history.

The book chronicles the 'Wild Australia Show', a travelling troupe of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers who toured the continent in 1892 and 1893. Conceived by a Queensland journalist, this venture provides a unique lens through which to understand colonial-era perceptions and the experiences of Indigenous Australians at the time.

• The 1890s 'Wild Australia Show': This section meticulously details the historical context and operational aspects of the touring show, from its ambitious inception by a Queensland journalist to its journey across Australia in the early 1890s.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Performers: Focusing on the individuals who comprised the heart of the show, the book explores the narratives and experiences of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers, offering insight into their lives and agency within this colonial spectacle.
• A Controversial Legacy: Delve into the complex and often confronting ethical dimensions of the 'Wild Australia Show'. The book critically analyses the implications of such ethnographic performances, stimulating discussion on historical representation and cultural sensitivity.
• Visual Documentation: As an exhibition catalogue, "Wild Australia" is richly illustrated throughout. These visual elements provide invaluable primary source material, depicting the performers, the show's presentation, and the wider social environment of the period.

This first edition of "Wild Australia" stands as an essential work for collectors and scholars alike, particularly those with an interest in Australian Indigenous history, post-colonial studies, and the critical examination of cultural exhibitions. Its rigorous scholarship and illustrative content make it a lasting contribution to understanding a complex facet of the nation's past.

Condition

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

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