Capital: Melbourne When It Was the Capital City of Australia 1901-27

Explore the intriguing narrative of Melbourne's fascinating history in 'Capital: Melbourne When It Was the Capital City of Australia 1901-27' by Kristin Otto. This compelling trade paperback published by The Text Publishing Company delves deep into how Melbourne shaped the identity of modern Australia during its brief yet pivotal role as the nation’s capital. A must-have for history enthusiasts and Australian culture lovers, this insightful book covers essential developments from the early 1900s, including the birth of the cosmetics industry with Helena Rubinstein and the groundbreaking creation of the world’s first feature film. Spanning 368 pages, 'Capital' interweaves stories of influential figures and everyday citizens, showcasing an overgrown town evolving into a vibrant metropolis. Discover the friendships, coincidences, and transformative events that underscored this era in Melbourne’s history. Whether you're a long-time resident or a curious traveler, this book will beckon you into a captivating dialogue with the past. Grab your copy now and unveil the rich tapestry of Melbourne when it was at the heart of Australia’s journey to modernity at Smartfox NZ! Perfect as a thoughtful gift or as part of your own collection, this brand new addition to your bookshelf is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand Australia's historical landscape.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781921520778
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2009
Publisher: The Text Publishing Company
Pages: 368


Description:
In 1901 the Australian colonies came together to form a new nation which, for the next twenty-six years, was governed from Melbourne. It was a small city, a place where people knew each other - not just the people who mattered, but those who didn't yet - where small changes loomed large and the import of big changes could scarcely be imagined. Yet in the extraordinary first quarter of the twentieth century the world lurched headlong into a new era. And this overgrown town, in all but name the nation's capital, oversaw the birth of modern Australia. In Capital, Kristin Otto describes how it happened. She looks at the developments that shaped the world we know today- from the story of Helena Rubinstein and the invention of the cosmetics industry, to the world's first feature film, to confectionery king Mac Robertson, packaging pioneer and author of the city's first motor car fatality. And she traces, with the lightest of touches, the web of influence, friendship and sheer coincidence that held it all together. For anyone who knows Melbourne, Capital will be a fascinating conversation with an old friend. For anyone who doesn't, it will be a compelling introduction to a new one.