An enjoyable read of Australia’s warts and all history.
As far as I could ascertain all the interesting references were true.
Nice to have a good indes.
( )

Probably my all-time favourite book is 1066 And All That, a hilarious twist on English history. With Girt, David Hunt has delivered the Australian history equivalent, a side-splitting piss-take on the early Australian colonial history we were all fed in school, covering the period to the end of Lachlan Macquarie's Governership.

I mostly read Girt whilst in public, and can only wonder what others thought of my constant collapses into helpless laughter as I read Hunt's wry and outrageous commentary on some of our most sacred cows. Even the footnotes reward careful reading as they are peppered with scabrous jokes and amusing trivia.

Obviously such a book will appeal most to readers well-versed in Australian history and society, but I think others will still find plenty to laugh at, even if some references puzzle them.

Hunt says he aimed to write an Australian history that was both accurate and amusing. I think he's achieved that in spades, and am delighted to know that he is working on future instalments. ( )

This is a new take on the history of Australia, not dissimilar in style to those by Bill Bryson (who the author acknowledges as an inspiration). It focuses on the first few decades of European settlement, although there is a nob to earlier occupation and earlier activity on the western side of Australia. A few quibbles: Perhaps a little too much focus on Sydney, a few too many pages on the problems in the old country, and not letting the facts stand in the way of a good story. ( )

I never knew Australian history could be so amusing! ( )

Early history of Australian colonisation. Engaging and informative and SO FUNNY. Best book I've read iin ages. Going back now for True Girt. ( )