In this fascinating study of the Dhan-Gadi Aboriginal people of New South Wales, Australia, the author combines the skills of a social historian with the detailed observation of a social anthropologist. In so doing he brings alive the contours of crude racism, as well as the more subtle expressions of paternalism, bureaucratic social control and educational and economic marginalization.

Peter Barker recounts the story of sailing solo across the Indian Ocean from Australia to South Africa. At the age of 53, put his career into the wardrobe along with his pinstriped suits and did what he always wanted to do - sail around the world on his own. In 2007, he discovered the challenge and vulnerability of solo sailing; knocking himself unconscious; having his boat knocked down twice in a storm; escaping disaster after almost being blown on to a reef and, at all times, testing his nerve to the limit. Peter savoured weeks of being alone in a big, blue sea. He lived a rigorous routine...