The history of Australia is full of adventures and mysteries. An unknown land began to stir Europeans’ minds long before it was discovered. This is a continent of an astonishing animal world, a unique human race, gold, and hopes. The book tells how the country transformed from a place of exile for thieves and murderers into one of the most prosperous countries in the world. The eras of great sea discoveries and equally great, and sometimes tragic, human destinies shaped the distinctive character of the Australian nation. Here millions of people, driven by the harsh events of the 20th century— including our fellow countrymen—found refuge. For many, it became a “promised land.” In the author’s view, today’s Australia is one of the centers shaping a new unified world culture of the future.