Published by Rigby Limited: Adelaide 1965 1st Edition
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Moonbird People by Patsy Adam-Smith is a compelling and evocative account of life among the remote islands of Bass Strait, first published by Rigby Limited, Adelaide in 1965. Sent initially to document the migratory mutton birds—known as "moonbirds"—the author became deeply immersed in the rugged world of the Furneaux Group, where the seasonal harvest of these birds sustained a unique and enduring island culture. What began as a journalistic assignment evolved into a richly observed narrative shaped by years of lived experience among the island communities.
Adam-Smith offers a vivid portrayal of the Cape Barren Island people, descendants of Tasmanian Aboriginal women and European sealers, whose lives were intimately tied to the rhythms of the sea and the annual mutton birding season. Her account captures both the harshness and the quiet dignity of this way of life, weaving together personal stories, folklore, and detailed observations of tradition, labour, and survival. The writing is immersive and humane, reflecting her close relationships with the people she lived among and her deep respect for their resilience and identity.
Now regarded as a classic of Australian social and regional history writing, Moonbird People stands as an important record of a largely overlooked community and way of life. Its combination of literary quality and ethnographic insight gives it lasting significance, particularly in the context of Tasmania's cultural history and Indigenous heritage. This first edition remains highly desirable for collectors of Australian literature, maritime and island history, and those drawn to narratives of remote communities and lived experience on the edge of the continent.
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