Sydney 1842 1992 Shirley Fitzgerald PB 1992 Illustrated History Australia City

Discover the transformation of one of the world’s great cities in Sydney, 1842–1992 by Shirley Fitzgerald. Commissioned to mark Sydney’s sesquicentenary, this richly illustrated volume traces 150 years of urban development, from a small colonial town to a modern global city.

Through engaging narrative and detailed research, Fitzgerald explores the evolution of Sydney’s infrastructure, governance, and communities—examining housing, transport, public buildings, and city planning alongside the lives of the people who shaped them. The book raises thought-provoking questions about who controls the city, how it grows, and whose voices are represented in its development.

With hundreds of illustrations and a clear historical perspective, this work offers a comprehensive and accessible portrait of Sydney’s changing identity, making it an essential read for anyone interested in urban history and the story behind the modern city.