..I don't care. I'm a history teacher. Did my postgrad in Education with a History major. While getting my Public Relations degree I did a minor in Arts, History, Politics and Philosophy. I did both Ancient and Modern History in High School. I've always been interested in the past. I've always been a history nerd. So it's no surprise that somehow I "fell into" this job haha.
I stumbled upon a little bookshop with fantastic books at really reasonable prices.
I love big hardcover books. The pages are thick and are always full of pictures. I got a book called, "Australia's Yesterdays".
I hate when my students groan at how boring Australian History is. I just tell them to get over it. If you live in Australia, you've got to know its history. Everybody around the world knows their country's history.
Federation. This should be celebrated as the 'real" Australia day (Unfortunately it occurred on New Years day in 1901 so we'd lose a public holiday). The reason why the students find it boring is that Australia achieved federation with diplomacy rather than a war (like the USA). Not many students know that the first Prime Minister was Sir Edmund Barton. They all know the first US President was George Washington. Weird huh? Like I said, the USA had the War of Independence which led to their federation. War is more exciting than debating. I think my students should be proud of the fact that their country was born without bloodshed.
One of Australia's greatest sporting heroes: A horse named Phar Lap. By the way, would you call him a New Zealander or an Australian?
I had to add this. The 1920s was a period of prosperity until the crash of 1929 which caused the Great Depression. I love the dresses these women are wearing. Have a look at the details on their shoes (look at their heels) and look at the hat on the women on the left. The dresses are stunning.
I find it amazing that Australia, being such a wealthy country was very much like a third world country throughout the 30s. Many of the working class were begging for food and money and would walk from town to town looking for work. Shanty towns were set up around the major cities. When I see images from the Great Depression in Australia, I think of the Philippines.
Another hardcover book. I love crime and punishment. The chapters here have the most well known criminals and crimes in history. I love the fact that it has a lot of contemporary news articles and photographs.
Al Capone or "Scarface". one of the most famous gangland overlords in history. He was involved in the St Valentine's day massacre in which he eliminated his rivals. He was also involved in illegal activities such as prostitution and bootlegging (in the prohibition era). Interestingly, he made huge charity donations with the money he made illegally. Funnily enough, he was arrested for tax evasion rather than the more serious crimes he committed.
Charles Manson and "Family": The Sharon Tate murder. Look at how mad his eyes are. He is one scary, insane murderer.
Ted Bundy: Arguably the most infamous serial killer.
"All I need in this life of sin, is me and my girlfriend": Bonnie and Clyde.
These are fantastic books. They are great resources for school and a damned good read with great pictures and information.
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