Includes index. First published: Melbourne : Oxford University Press, 1958. In this classic piece of Australian literary heritage, Russell Ward looks at the ideals, traits and behaviours Australians think as typical of themselves. His now famous, penetrating analysis of nineteenth century Australian history shows how the characteristically Australian traits first found expression in the frontier life of the nomad pastoral workers of the outback, eventually pervading Australian literature and life in general.Ward has drawn on both English and American literature, documents and statistics, journals and papers and perhaps most vividly of all, on Australian folk-songs and ballads for his account.