The Murray is the most important river in Australia.  In ancient times it was home, food source and lifeline.  In historical times, highway and trade route.  Currently 80% of its water is diverted for towns, farms and orchards.  It is a border, a recreation park, a commercial resource.  It straddles snowfields, flood plains, deserts and the sea, across a seventh of the continent.

And it is in danger of dying.

John Nicholson’s study of this Australian icon is a brilliant collection of details, pictures, impressions and ideas.  As he has shown in his previous books on the Aussie home, Gold, the First Fleet and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, he can weave together a fascinating and complex story from a series of simple, clear descriptions.

From Aboriginal fishing techniques, through early explorers’ equipment, the intricacies of paddle steamer and pumping machinery, to the mighty engineering works of dams and weirs, Nicholson details how humans have tried to tame the great river.  His precise drawings are almost photographic in their precision, but have an air of wonder in their delicacy.

There is a strong message throughout of the absolute need to preserve and protect the Murray so it can continue to provide for the humans along its banks.  This is never preachy, just a straight forward explanation of the facts.  There is only so much can be taken out before the river dies.

Several of Nicholson’s earlier books have won the Information section of the Children’s Book of the Year Awards.  This one should go close too, as well as being a must for all school libraries.  It is an excellent depiction of one of the most important parts of Australia, with a message that needs to be heard very, very soon.

Other books by this author:
Animal Architects (Allen & Unwin, 2003)
The Incomparable Captain Cadell (Allen & Unwin, 2004)
The State of the Planet (Allen & Unwin, 2002)

Review by David Beagley

© 2002 David Beagley