On the Land: A Photographic History of Farming in Australia by Paul Ashton with Kate Blackmore
Hardcover book published by Kangaroo Press 1987, 192 pages with black and white photographs. ISBN 9780864171122
Since the European colonisation of Australia, the attitude of many white residents and would-be settlers towards the land has taken root in an agrarian dream. This dream, now tarnished, held out the prospect of an independent, productive and vigorous way of life. Rural land was perceived as a means of personal attainment and its redistribution was often viewed as a remedy for various social and economic problems. Indeed, while predicated on changing circumstances, grand ideas and political programmes based on land reform— like the post World War I soldier settlement scheme—also reflected popular aspirations regarding an ideal rural existence. Through booms and busts, drought and flood and plagues, the dream—the myth— retained its potent attraction. But it eluded most participants in reality. In surveying the chequered and at times disastrous fortunes of rural Australia from European settlement to the present, On The Land explores the agrarian myth, forged and reforged, as well as many of the contrasts and contradictions inherent in Australia’s rural past. Eschewing nostalgia, the unsuccessful, the exploited and the abortive schemes—so often overlooked in general works—are skilfully described in this succinct and readable book. As a photographic documentary, On The Land gathers together over 330 fascinating images which illustrate major themes and developments in the history of rural Australia. The photographs range from professional productions to the snapshots of enthusiastic amateurs: their diverse subjects and historical contexts are discussed in extensive captions. Further, a provocative introduction concerning the relationship between the photographer’s mechanical art and the creation of an image of rural Australia invites readers to reconsider the photograph in its documentary and historical roles
This book is in good condition. The dust jacket is in fair condition. There is some wear to the edges (scuffing, creasing some tiny rips and chips), corners (some scuffing and creasing) and to the top and bottom of the spine (scuffing and creasing, rips to the top now partially repaired with acid free tape). There is shelf wear overall including scuffs, marks dints and some slight creasing. The back cover of the dust jacket has a tiny hole over this spine hinge. The cover is in good condition. There is some wear to the edges (some scuffing) and to the top and bottom of the spine (scuffing and creasing). There are a few slight marks. The book itself is in good condition. There are some slight marks and some slight foxing to the outer edges. The back end paper has some tiny rips around the bottom edge. There is some slight browning of the pages. Overall a good copy with some wear.
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