Loving Country

Loving Country is a book that inspires ultimate respect for Mother Earth and the role of her custodians. While readers are encouraged to discover the sacred country of Australia in an open-minded and sensitive manner, the intention of this book is to foster communication and understanding between all peoples and country, to bring about a range of environmental and social changes. Co-authors Bruce Pascoe and Vicky Shukuroglou hope to empower communities to tell their own stories, and for people to honour them and the country from which they have grown. Beautifully designed, all of the writing and photography in Loving Country has been created in consultation with communities. From the ingenious fish traps at Brewarrina and the rivers that feed the Great Barrier Reef, to the love stories of Wiluna and the whale story of Margaret River, there is so much to celebrate and admire about the oldest continuing culture in the world. For those who want to do more than a whistle-stop tour of Australia, this book offers some keys to unlock and reveal the heart of this loving country.

“Tales across Australia of discovery and loss. In Loving Country you discover how rich are the landscapes and creatures of Aboriginal Australia, how much we have lost by mistreating [them], how much remains to be found, and how welcome you will be in seeking it. Travel alert with this book. See the country - then you will feel it.”

'Loving Country reveals page after page of both the ancient and contemporary knowledges of these magnificent places, leaving you feeling equal parts wonder and despair. It is a beautifully composed, riveting read scaffolded by Pascoe’s signature commitment to watertight research of the colonial archives. Shukuroglou’s unpretentious photography showcases the raw, intrinsic beauty of Country. This book will leave you famished for red earth, rainforests, billabongs and big sky Country.’ – Shannon Foster, D'harawal Knowledge Keeper, PhD Candidate and Lecturer UTS

‘Tales across Australia of discovery and loss. In Loving Country you discover how rich are the landscapes and creatures of Aboriginal Australia, how much we have lost by mistreating [them], how much remains to be found, and how welcome you will be in seeking it. Travel alert with this book. See the country – then you will feel it.’ – Bill Gammage, author of The Biggest Estate on Earth

'A big-hearted book of big ideas from Pascoe, a genuine patriot if ever there was one.' – Melissa Lucashenko
Loving Country reveals page after page of both the ancient and contemporary knowledges of these magnificent places, leaving you feeling equal parts wonder and despair. It is a beautifully composed, riveting read scaffolded by Pascoe’s signature commitment to watertight research of the colonial archives. Shukuroglou’s unpretentious photography showcases the raw, intrinsic beauty of Country. This book will leave you famished for red earth, rainforests, billabongs and big sky Country. -- Shannon Foster, D'harawal Knowledge Keeper, PhD Candidate and Lecturer UTS The Conversation
Tales across Australia of discovery and loss. In Loving Country you discover how rich are the landscapes and creatures of Aboriginal Australia, how much we have lost by mistreating [them], how much remains to be found, and how welcome you will be in seeking it. Travel alert with this book. See the country – then you will feel it. -- Bill Gammage, author of The Biggest Estate on Earth

Bruce Pascoe is a Yuin, Bunurong and Tasmanian man born in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond. He's worked as a teacher, farmer, fisherman, barman, fencing contractor, lecturer, Aboriginal language researcher, archaeological site worker and editor. He's also written thirty other books including the short story collections Night Animals and Nightjar , and academic texts including The Little Red Yellow Black Book with AIATSIS. Dark Emu (Magabala Books) won Book of the Year and the Indigenous Writer's Prize at the NSW Premier's Literary Awards in 2016, and has now sold in excess of 200,000 copies. Vicky Shukuroglou is a multidisciplinary artist and researcher dedicated to deepening her understanding of the Earth through careful observation and hands-on care of country. These drive her creative process, with which she hopes to rouse your heart. She has worked collaboratively with writers, musicians, scientists, Indigenous communities and young people. Remarkable projects have evolved out of her commitment to shifting perceptions and bringing young people's powerful work to the attention of 'grown-ups'. Vicky's supporters and partners include UNESCO, Sanskriti Kendra, Instituto Sacatar, World Crafts Council, Salaam Baalak, the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission, City of Melbourne, Arts Victoria, Fed Square, schools and universities.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.