This volume investigates the foundational documents and primary accounts that shaped the early development of Australian society and governance. Manning Clark, a prominent historian of Australia, compiles a curated selection of records to provide a direct window into the perspectives of those who established the nation. The work serves as a documentary history, utilizing letters, journals, and official reports to illustrate the social and political climate of the era.

Historians and students of Australian history frequently cite this collection as a standard reference for accessing original source material. Experts note that while the selection reflects the editorial priorities of its time, it remains a useful tool for understanding the primary narratives of the colonial period.