'Extensively researched and generously illustrated, this examination considers all aspects of a dynamic state renowned for its extraordinary, diverse landscapes, wealth of intellectual and physical resources, and a population that appreciates its unique lifestyle. Commissioned by the government to commemorate the 150th anniversary of its establishment as a state, this comprehensive guide captures the progress that has marked Queensland's past and defined its present--from the state's first peoples and early colonial ambitions to the impact of two world wars and the arrival of international events, such as the Commonwealth Games--to reveal the everyday life of its people and the significant moments of its history. (Publication summary)