'This book has a place in that honourable environmental history tradition of closely examining a region. As usual within that tradition, a focus on fully understanding a particular place has created a text in which dramatic moments are provided by events such as mice plagues and new tillage regimes. The strength of the book’s writing means these events are genuinely riveting. And that writing is supported by careful and thorough research: this book marks the culmination of a project funded by the Australian Research Council that involved significant Australian historians, and researchers with strong local ties and a clear commitment to country.' (Introduction)