Moonbird People – Mutton Birding and the Furneaux Islanders | Patsy Adam Smith | 1965 [USED – HCDJ – Good]

Patsy Adam Smith's account of the mutton-birding culture of the Furneaux Islands — the group of Bass Strait islands of which Flinders Island is the largest — and the Aboriginal and Islander families whose lives have been shaped by the annual harvest of short-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds) for generations.

The mutton-bird harvest is one of the most distinctive cultural practices of the Bass Strait islands, and the Furneaux Islander community that maintains it has deep roots in both Tasmanian Aboriginal heritage and the seafaring, fishing and farming life of the islands. Adam Smith documented this world in the 1960s with sympathy and directness — this is a book about a community and a way of life that was already changing at the time of writing.

At 220 pages with black and white photographs throughout, published by Rigby in 1965, this is a useful primary document for anyone researching Furneaux Islands history, Bass Strait Aboriginal heritage, or the mutton-birding culture of the islands.

Out of print and not commonly found.

CONDITION

• Used, generally good condition.
• Previous owner's details written in the front.
• Some wear to edges.
• Covered in clear contact plastic by a previous owner.
• Contact the bookshop on 03 6381 1545 for additional photos if required before purchasing.

BOOK DETAILS

• Hardcover with dust jacket.
• 220 pages.
• Black and white photographs.
• Published 1965 by Rigby. Out of print.

DELIVERY & IN-STORE PICKUP

• Combined Shipping: Sourcing multiple titles for your Tasmanian history library? The Book Cellar offers combined flat-rate parcel delivery across Australia. Secure your books using our online checkout, or phone the bookshop directly on 03 6381 1545 to coordinate multi-volume shipping.
• Free Instore Pickup: Located in Tasmania or travelling the Midland Highway? Select "Instore Pickup" at checkout to pay no postage and collect your items directly from the counter at The Book Cellar, underneath Foxhunters Return in Campbell Town.