Australian Aborigines

Ilene Cooper

This entry in the new Threatened Cultures series provides readers with a solid look at the Aboriginal culture of Australia. Nile has a tendency to repeat himself, but his oversize volume is full of interesting information, including the history of the Aborigines (this appears most completely at the book's conclusion; it would have framed the information better had it appeared more fully at the beginning). The book also considers the Aborigines' struggles to maintain their culture, their life in the cities and the outback, and what their future may hold. Eye-catching and well-chosen color photographs are the heart of the book; they personalize the plight of this indigenous group. Several well-known Aborigines are discussed but unfortunately are not pictured. Although this will be used primarily for reports, browsers may find it interesting as well. A glossary and brief bibliography are appended.