Sydney Harbour: A History, Updated edition - Paperback

by Ian Hoskins (Author)

Sydney Harbour has been a defining feature for the people who have lived around it for millennia: a means of communication, a barrier, a resource to be exploited, a site of commerce and trade, and a place of beauty, spirit and meaning.

In this sweeping history of one of the world's most recognisable landscapes, award-winning historian Ian Hoskins explores the story of this famous waterway, from its importance to the Gameragal and Gadigal people to highly charged contemporary debates about the future of the 'working harbour' and the ownership of its foreshores.

A beautifully written and compelling book, this new edition of Sydney Harbour surveys the interactions between the glittering harbour and the people who have fished it, sailed on it, built at its edges, fought for it, portrayed it and marvelled at it.

'An innovative history of Sydney Harbour...Ian Hoskins brings into view a many-sided picture of the harbour over time. A delight to read.' - Peter Cochrane

'A detailed and beautifully written history...If you love Sydney Harbour, then this is an evocative celebration.' - Bruce Elder, Sydney Morning Herald

'In this superbly illustrated history of Sydney Harbour, Hoskins explores the fascinating story of one of the world's more recognised waterways...a fine history, an excellent read.' - Ross Fitzgerald, Spectator Australia

Author Biography

Ian Hoskins sailed through the heads of Sydney Harbour as a four-year-old arriving in Australia for the first time. He is now the Council Historian at North Sydney based at the Stanton Library, where he writes about local history and helps to manage two small museums, a heritage centre, archives, and a historic cemetery. He has a PhD in history from Sydney University and has worked at the Powerhouse Museum where he curated social history exhibitions and co-authored What's in Store?: A History of Retailing in Australia 1880-1930.