In this book an important dialogue between the newer forms of contemporary cultural studies and Australian studies opens up, pretty much for the first time. Anyone...seriously working in either of these fields should be familiar with it.Professor Simon During, University of Melbourne.In this provocative analysis, Goodall challenges the current dominance of the contemporary and the popular in cultural studies. He argues that culture should be treated as an historical term, and traces the debate between high culture and popular culture in indistrialised society from the 18th century to the present day.Goodall then locates the debate in Australia, arguing that it is of particular relevance to a postcolonial society. More than any other modern culture, Australia has sought its identity in its sense of struggle between populism and elitism.Finally, Goodall broaches the contentious topic of the relationship between the 'new' cultural studies and the 'old' humanities. Rather than simply defending one and denigrating the other, he points the way to a more productive relationship.