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For those wanting a straightforward introduction to Australian
biogeography, an American academic well versed in the topic has provided a
solution. Tim Berra, a professor emeritus of zoology at Ohio State University,
has seen much of the continent since he started making fields trips to Australia
in 1969. His notes and many of his superb photos are the basis for A Natural
History of Australia. He offers an outsider’s perspective of Australia well
suited to those contemplating the journey and wanting to know more about the
country’s flora and fauna than the average travel book would contain. Rest
assured, shark attacks are rare and on average only five people die from
snakebite each year. Published by UNSW Press, $45, ISBN 0868404721.