Windschuttle at War: The Politics of Historiography in Australia

摘要: Keith Windschuttle unleashed a storm of controversy with the publication The Fabrication Aboriginal History: Volume One, Van Diemen’s Land, 1803-1847 (2002; reprinted corrections 2003). In series events unusual for works this kind, Windschuttle’s book received considerable media exposure: almost immediately it became focal point impassioned debate. debate moreover continues and promises to be us some time. is in fact first projected volumes which author proposes reexamine early history relations between White settlers indigenous populations Australia (Windschuttle, 2003c: 3-4). title chose says great deal about its contents. While purporting rewrite chapter Australian history, more concerned examining recent historiography. derives power from being an act accusation. real intent expose what he sees as gross malpractice within historical profession. His chief accusation that number leading academic historians—including Lyndall Ryan Henry Reynolds—have falsified picture race Australia. They have, according Windschuttle, unduly over-emphasized conflict violence their main themes discussing Whites Blacks. criticizes using term genocide describe settler behavior towards Tasmanians 4, 13; Ryan, 1996: 255). He chastises Reynolds depicting Tasmanian Aborigines engaged guerrilla war defend lands against invaders. deplores way both historians stress British settlement Tasmania proceeded through process physical elimination native populations.