Originally published during the early part of the twentieth century, the Cambridge Manuals of Science and Literature were designed to provide concise introductions to a broad range of topics. They were written by experts for the general reader and combined a comprehensive approach to knowledge with an emphasis on accessibility. Australia by J. W. Gregory was first published in 1916. The volume presents a discussion of Australia's social and political character, together with information on botany, geography and the historical development of the area.