The A to Z of Australia relates the history of this unique and beautiful land which is home to an amazing range of flora and fauna a climate that ranges from tropical forests to arid deserts and the largest single collection of coral reefs and islands in the world. Through a detailed chronology an introduction appendixes a bibliography and crossreferenced dictionary entries on some of the more significant persons places and events institutions and organizations and political economic social cultural and religious facets author James Docherty provides a much needed single volume reference on Australia from its most unpromising of beginnings as a British jail to the liberal tolerant democracy it is today.