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  • Published: 14 November 2016
  • ISBN: 9780143783350
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $27.99

The Reef: A Passionate History




The first social, cultural and environmental history of this World Heritage-listed site, The Reef is an effortlessly readable work by a born storyteller.

There has never been a more critical time for the Great Barrier Reef. Our greatest natural landmark is now in danger of being lost forever.

In The Reef, Iain McCalman delivers the first social, cultural and environmental history of this fragile global treasure. Describing twelve key encounters between people, places, ideas and biosystems, McCalman argues that the Reef was created by human minds as well as coral polyps, by imaginations as well as natural processes.

Brilliantly readable and constantly surprising, The Reef enshrines the stories behind the formation of this unique phenomenon and chronicles our shifting perceptions of it.

  • Published: 14 November 2016
  • ISBN: 9780143783350
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $27.99

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Awards & recognition

Colin Roderick Award

Shortlisted  •  2013  •  Best Book

FAW Award

Commended  •  2013  •  Non-Fiction

CHASS Australia Prize

Winner  •  2014  •  Best Book

John Button Prize

Longlisted  •  2014  •  Best Book

Queensland Literary Awards

Shortlisted  •  2014  •  History

Queensland Literary Awards

Shortlisted  •  2014  •  Non-Fiction

Waverley Library Award for Literature

Shortlisted  •  2014  •  Best Book

NSW Premier's Literary Awards

Shortlisted  •  2015  •  Douglas Stewart Prize for Non-fiction