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BOOK REVIEW
| Sue Taffe, Black and White Together: FCAATSI: The Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders 1958–1973, University of Queensland Press, St Lucia, Queensland, 2005. pp. xiv + 402. $24.95 paper.
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| Sue Taffe's study of the rise and fall of FCAATSI is a major contribution to the historiography of race relations – and of political activism, of human rights, of left-wing campaigning and of national politics during the 1960's. It appears at an opportune time. We are now far enough removed from the events so well described to be able to see, with some objectivity, the hopes and fears and ideals of a crowded stage of strong minded characters. But Taffe was able to meet and interview many of the leading figures in her often dramatic story. And for all the importance of FCAATSI in its heyday it is now largely forgotten. Like many other teachers I find looks of blank unknowing greeting any mention of the organisation in lectures and discussions. |
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Taffe has written a good book. She has carried out a vast amount of research in many locations and talked to anyone who had anything to contribute. Her judgements are careful and judicious and the reader feels confident in her assessment of people and events. The text is underpinned with a good understanding of the broader field of Australian politics and public life. The one fault I noticed was a tendency in telling an often complex story to be repetitive. A somewhat shorter, tighter text would have added to the overall cogency. |
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