Cultural Atlas of Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific FROM THE PUBLISHER
The region covered by this Cultural Atlas is a vast and geographically diverse one. Its landscapes range from the arid, eroded expanses of Australia - once part of the ancient continent of Gondwanaland - to the rugged, forested mountains of New Guinea, the ice-carved fjords and volcanoes of New Zealand and the scattered coral atolls and volcanic peaks of the South Pacific islands. Taking migration as one of its themes, the Atlas traces the great movements of people into this region from earliest times. This Atlas describes the complex societies and cultures that evolved in the Pacific in response to its diverse island environments, exploring the differences and similarities between its three major cultural areas, Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. This Atlas examines the founding myths that shaped Australia and New Zealand's emergent national identities and looks at the great changes that have taken place since 1945, with former colonial ties and values giving way to an official doctrine of multiculturalism, and to resurgent forms of indigenous culture. The final chapter surveys the world of the South Pacific since decolonization as its newly independent nations seek to ensure a secure economic future for all its peoples.
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
The authors are both scholars of the subject, and their efforts,
combined with those of the photo and map editors at Andromeda Oxford
Ltd., Oxfordshire, England, have produced this reference.
Arrangement is in sections on geographical background, the great
migrations, and post-European contact. Virtually every page displays
some combination of maps, historical and contemporary photos, and
reproductions of artwork. Special features focus on Aboriginal art,
body adornment in Papua New Guinea, Gauguin, the Maori meeting house,
and the forging of the Gallipoli legend. A glossary explains such
terms as "digger", and "waddi"; the bibliography is subject
classified; and a gazetteer is included.
Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
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