This lively collection neatly captures the humor and verve of Australian poetrypast and present. The poets included range from Francis Macnamara and Charles Harpur--noted authors from the 19th century--through the later years of CJ Dennis and Henry Lawson and right up to today's leading stars, among them Gig Ryan, David Malouf, Stephen McInerney, and Kate Jennings. For anyone curious about what makes Australians who they are, this is a key compendium for understanding the warmth and vigor of the national character.