Wishlist
Book Summary
Bain Attwood's 'The Making of the Aborigines' is a seminal historical analysis of how European settlers in Australia constructed the category of 'Aborigine' through law, policy, and representation. It examines the period from 1770 to 1930, showing how Indigenous people were defined, controlled, and ultimately marginalized by colonial power structures. Essential reading for understanding the roots of contemporary Indigenous-settler relations.
This book is not available
Store  |
Condition |
Deals & Coupons | Price |
Est. Shipping |
Total |
Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry we could not find any result for “9780043701850” | ||||||
About The Making of the Aborigines
In 'The Making of the Aborigines', historian Bain Attwood traces the invention of the category 'Aborigine' in colonial Australia. He argues that before European contact, there was no unified 'Aboriginal' identity; instead, diverse Indigenous nations existed. Through a detailed analysis of government policies, legal cases, missionary records, and popular culture, Attwood shows how settlers imposed a racialized identity on Indigenous peoples to justify dispossession and control. The book covers key moments such as the establishment of Aboriginal reserves, the Stolen Generations, and the rise of protectionist and assimilationist policies. Attwood also explores how Indigenous people resisted and negotiated these definitions, shaping their own identities. This work is a foundational text in Australian Indigenous historiography, offering a critical lens on the power of representation and the enduring legacy of colonialism.
Who should read The Making of the Aborigines?
This book is essential for students and scholars of Australian history, Indigenous studies, and postcolonial theory. It is also valuable for educators, policymakers, and anyone seeking to understand the historical roots of contemporary Indigenous issues in Australia. Readers interested in how racial categories are constructed and contested will find it insightful. While academic in tone, it is accessible to general readers with a serious interest in the topic.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Groundbreaking analysis of how racial categories are constructed
- ✓ Draws on extensive primary sources including legal and government records
- ✓ Provides crucial historical context for contemporary Indigenous debates
- ✓ Written by a leading historian in the field
- ✓ Challenges simplistic narratives about Aboriginal identity
Cons
- ✗ Dense academic prose may deter casual readers
- ✗ Focuses primarily on colonial and early federal periods, not recent history
- ✗ Assumes some prior knowledge of Australian history
- ✗ Limited discussion of Indigenous voices and agency in some sections
- ✗ Some readers may find the theoretical framework challenging
Similar books
Frequently asked questions
Is this book suitable for someone new to Australian Indigenous history?
It is accessible but assumes some basic knowledge. Beginners might start with a broader survey like Richard Broome's 'Aboriginal Australians' before tackling this more focused analysis.
Does the book cover contemporary issues?
The main focus is on the colonial and early federal periods up to the 1930s, though the introduction and conclusion link the historical analysis to contemporary debates.
What is the author's main argument?
Attwood argues that 'Aboriginality' was not a pre-existing category but was created through colonial practices of classification, legislation, and representation to serve settler interests.
Is this a primary source or a secondary source?
It is a secondary source—a work of historical synthesis and interpretation—but it extensively quotes and analyzes primary documents.
Does the book include Indigenous perspectives?
While the focus is on colonial constructions, Attwood does incorporate Indigenous responses and resistance where records allow, though primary sources are often from the colonizers' viewpoint.
At Windsorbooks, we compare prices from trusted sellers so you can buy, rent, or sell textbooks at the best total price — shipping included.
As an Amazon Associate, Windsorbooks.com may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.