The Shortest History of Australia

by Mark McKenna

The history of Australia has been written before – but not like this.
In The Shortest History of Australia, Mark McKenna offers a compelling new version of our national story. This is a modern Australia permeated by First Nations history; a multicultural society with an island mindset; a continent of epic beauty and extreme natural events; a country obsessed by war abroad but blind to its founding war at home; and a thriving nation-state still to realise its political independence.


McKenna's wise and humane history reveals the surprising in the familiar, and reframes the past so we can see the present more clearly.


'Remarkable ... a deeply humane account of who we are and how we came to be' —Larissa Behrendt


'A deeply imaginative, beautifully written and individual book' ––Robert Manne


'Original, eloquent and moving – a revelatory journey into the past we thought we knew' ––Tom Griffiths

Genres: History

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

Mark McKenna is a comic book illustrator and children's book author.

For the Australian historian, see Mark McKenna
For the young-adult writer, see Mark McKenna
For the law professor, see Mark P. McKenna
For the beer writer, see Mark McKenna

Reviews

[Kym · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Short History of Australia is a fresh new version of our story that also includes and recognises the epic First Nations history. This great sunburnt country that stretches endlessly below a vast Southern sky is a melting pot of people and a living example of what happens when two cultures collide. There is no question that the Australian landscape has been instrumental in sculpting our national characters. This book shows how we have come together, not always peacefully and not always with kindness, especially with our indigenous population. It also shows the great strength, determination and skill the settlers brought with them. It must have been an incredible time in history. I really enjoyed the way this book explored and delivered a rich catalogue of First Nation history as well as detailing the settlers, gold fever, wars and politics since colonisation. There is an extensive bibliography at the back for further deep diving into some of the chapter topics. All in all a great read that teaches not preaches.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

McKenna aims not to repeat the usual chronological histories, but rather dwells on place and significant events. The first chapter ‘The founding lie’ emphasizes that history begins with aboriginal occupation since probably 60,000 years ago. Consequently there is a constant interplay between indigenous and non-indigenous points of view. Much importance is given to the formation of history and human occupation by the nature of the country, from desert, tropical, and temperate. The result is an insight into historical events and their significance in the way Australia has evolved, and its relartionship with Britain and to a lesser extent the USA. This approach brings fresh insights but for some it may seem to omit what they think is important in the chronological unwinding of events and people.

[Tim Briedis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read - very strong on indigenous history! Read this not Tony Abbott’s book! The histories of pearling, of Christmas Island, and of the forgotten north were ace. Elegantly written and crafted as well.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a good introductory book on Australian history for readers who have no prior knowledge. It is not a chronological history, as the author admits in the Afterword. The author has chosen a few of his favourite themes to expand on. This book won't suit everyone but will interest some.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woof that was depressing