The Brumby Wars: The battle for the soul of Australia

The Brumby Wars is a book about the culture war raging around Australia's wild horses, known as brumbies, and the battle for the soul of Australia. It pits a vision of the legendary Man from Snowy River and the iconic ANZAC Light Horse against the spectre of ecosystems destroyed by feral pests.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2021
Publisher: Hachette Australia

The Brumby Wars is a complex and multifaceted conflict that extends far beyond the realm of horses. It is a battle for the very soul of Australia, pitting a diverse range of stakeholders against each other in a struggle for control over the country's iconic wild horses, known as brumbies.

At the heart of this debate lies a clash of ideologies. On one side, there are the ecologists and environmentalists who view brumbies as a feral menace that threatens the delicate alpine landscapes and ecosystems of Australia. They argue that the brumbies must be removed to protect the natural balance and preserve the country's natural heritage.

On the other side, there are the descendants of cattle families and many Australians in urban and regional areas who view brumbies as untouchable symbols of wildness and freedom. They argue that the brumbies have a right to exist in their natural habitat and that their removal would be a devastating blow to the country's cultural and historical identity.

The Brumby Wars is not just a war over horses; it is a battle for the heart and soul of Australia. It involves powerful politicians and media commentators, as well as an animal mythologized in Australian poetry and prose. The debate has become increasingly polarized, with emotions running high and tensions rising.

The conflict is set to escalate dramatically before we have an answer. The government has announced plans to introduce a cull of brumbies, while conservation groups and animal rights activists are fighting back against the proposed measures. The situation has become a major national issue, with many Australians deeply divided over what should be done.

One of the most striking aspects of The Brumby Wars is the human passions it inspires. The debate has brought together people from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and perspectives. There are those who have grown up with brumbies as part of their heritage, and who view them as an integral part of Australia's cultural identity. There are also those who have seen firsthand the damage that brumbies can cause to the environment, and who argue that their removal is necessary to protect the country's natural resources.

The book also takes us on a journey, a quest to understand what makes us tick in our increasingly polarised country. It explores the complex interplay between culture, history, and the natural world, and asks us to consider the ethical and moral implications of our actions. The Brumby Wars is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of a major national issue, and a testament to the resilience and determination of the Australian people.

In conclusion, The Brumby Wars is a book that delves into the complex and multifaceted conflict that is raging around Australia's wild horses. It is a battle for the soul of Australia, pitting a diverse range of stakeholders against each other in a struggle for control over the country's iconic wild horses. The debate involves powerful politicians and media commentators, as well as an animal mythologized in Australian poetry and prose. The conflict is set to escalate dramatically before we have an answer, and the book provides a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human passions and the ethical and moral implications of our actions.

Weight: 398g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780733647208