Title: Koala : a historical biography /
Authors: Moyal, Ann, 1926-2019; Organ, Michael.
Publisher: CSIRO Pub. ; Eurospan [distributor],
Year: 2008
Subjects: Koala History.; Koala Australia Pictorial works.; Animals and civilization Australia.
Abstract: "This book examines the koala's long seclusion from discovery (1803), its slow penetration of the European classificatory system, its distinctive history, and its emergence through observation, artistic and scientific depiction. It also covers koala destruction through settlement and hunting in the 19th century through to its roles in the 20th century, including the koala in Australian literature; the advent of the nature park, zoos, transportation, resettlement, and protection by key individuals and organisations, through to its current mixed levels of survival and its prominent role as an Australian icon. More than a national phenomenon, koalas are significant animals on the world stage and receive considerable attention from the international media."--Publisher.
Contents: 'The land that waited' -- Science and art -- Putting the animals on the map -- The upside-down world -- The indigenous people -- Field and metropolis -- Fire, fur and guns -- The literary koala -- Colin MacKenzie and the amazing koala shoulder -- The new protectors -- Being and doing -- The survivor? Epilogue : up close and personal.