**An Antipodean Affair: Manning Clark's Masterpiece of Australian Historiography**

Manning Clark's An Antipodean Affair, published in 1979, is a landmark in Australian historiography. A sweeping narrative that spans centuries, the book delves into the complex and often contradictory relationship between Australia and Britain, exploring the ways in which the British imperial legacy has shaped Australian identity and experience. With its vivid prose and profound insights, An Antipodean Affair has earned its place as a classic work of Australian history, a book that continues to provoke debate and inspire new generations of historians.

One of the central themes of An Antipodean Affair is the enduring impact of British colonialism on Australia. Clark argues that the British colonization of Australia in the late 18th century profoundly shaped the nation's history and identity. He traces the ways in which British institutions, values, and practices were imposed on the Indigenous population, leading to a complex and often fraught relationship between the two cultures.

Clark also explores the phenomenon of "cultural cringe," a sense of inferiority that many Australians felt towards British culture in the early 20th century. He argues that this cultural cringe was a product of Australia's colonial past, a belief that the nation was somehow inferior to its British counterpart. Clark's analysis of cultural cringe was groundbreaking at the time and has had a significant impact on subsequent studies of Australian culture and identity.

An Antipodean Affair

by G.B. Edwards

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1807 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	330 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In addition to his examination of the British imperial legacy, Clark also explores the development of a distinctively Australian national character. He argues that Australians have developed a unique mix of qualities, including a sense of larrikinism, a egalitarianism, and a love of the outdoors. These qualities, Clark argues, have helped to shape the Australian way of life and have contributed to the nation's distinctive identity.

One of the most striking features of An Antipodean Affair is its unconventional historical narrative. Unlike many traditional histories, which focus on a chronological account of events, Clark's book is more a series of interconnected essays that explore different themes and aspects of Australian history. This approach allows Clark to provide a more nuanced and multifaceted understanding of the Australian experience.

An Antipodean Affair has had a profound impact on Australian historiography and culture. The book has challenged traditional interpretations of Australian history and has helped to shape the way we understand our past. Clark's insights into the British imperial legacy, cultural cringe, and national character have had a lasting influence on Australian thought and scholarship.

Manning Clark's An Antipodean Affair is a masterpiece of Australian historiography. With its sweeping narrative, vivid prose, and profound insights, the book has had a profound impact on the way we understand our past and our place in the world. An Antipodean Affair is a must-read for anyone interested in Australian history, and it continues to inspire and provoke new generations of historians and readers alike.

An Antipodean Affair

by G.B. Edwards

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1807 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	330 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE