The NCB wishes to congratulate ADB research editor Dr Peter Woodley whose first book, 'We are a farming class': Dubbo's hinterland, 1870-1950, has just been published with ANU Press. 

This book examines the lives of people in the farmlands surrounding Dubbo in the New South Wales central west between the 1870s and the 1950s, offering a rich history of a way of life and culture. This project began as Peter's PhD thesis, supervised by the School of History's Professor Frank Bongiorno. Purchase/download your copy via ANU Press.

Praise for 'We are a farming class':

'Dr Woodley tells a story that transforms our understanding of the evolving relationship of ‘the country’ to colony, state and nation. This model local history sets a new standard for the field.’ -  Prof. Frank Bongiorno

'A model history, detailed and creative, it sees meaning in the commonplace and consequences in what people thought and did. A story for all Australia.’ -  Emeritus Prof. Bill Gammage

‘... an impressive and meticulous piece of work, shot through with flashes of deep insight into social and community formation in rural Australia.' -  Emeritus Prof. Grace Karskens