Cirrus@Austlit

'Spurred on by his encroaching blindness, prominent historian David Walker's Not Dark Yet is a frank, witty and innovative memoir that connects the small, seemingly inconsequential events of daily life to larger historical themes of family, war, patriotism, racial identity, religious belief, knowledge of the world and death. Not Dark Yet captures the elusive voice of middle-class Australia and explores the moral values and lifestyles of people who kept few written records.

'In taking a fresh look at historical writing, Not Dark Yet offers new ways of imagining the past and making the everyday world of homes, families, childhood and memory central to the national story.

'This beautifully written and generously illustrated book is both a new departure for the author and a strikingly original contribution to our literary heritage.' (From the publisher's website.)

'From the late nineteenth century the Asianisation of Australia has sparked anxious comment. The great catchcries of the day . . the awakening East. , . the yellow peril. , . populate or perish. . had a direct bearing on how Australians viewed their future. Anxious Nation provides a full and fascinating account of Australia's complex engagement with Asia.' (Publication summary)