Banksias and Bilbies: Seasons of Australia
Natural History Field Guide Botanical Reference Environmental Science Australian Flora & Fauna Indigenous Knowledge Nature Art & Illustration
Banksias and Bilbies: Seasons of Australia is a sought-after 1995 first-edition hardcover that distils the continent’s cycles into 81 richly illustrated pages. Author Alan Reid, known for his accessible natural-history writing, pairs concise, field-tested observations with Alexis Beckett’s luminous artwork to show how banksias bloom, bilbies breed and bush birds migrate in response to Australia’s six Indigenous seasons rather than the familiar four. The result is a compact reference that doubles as a visual celebration of native flora and fauna, perfect for young adult naturalists, gardeners planning water-wise beds, or collectors who appreciate science delivered with gallery-quality images.
What makes this copy especially appealing is its pristine condition: a tight, unmarked binding with no inscriptions, dog-ears or shelf-wear—increasingly rare for a 30-year-old Gould League press title that was usually used in classrooms. First-edition status, the durable hardcover format and the publisher’s reputation for high production values ensure the colour plates remain vivid and the botanical details accurate for field use. ISBN 9781875687268 links directly to this original printing, so buyers searching for the genuine 1995 edition rather than later reprints can buy with confidence.
Beyond beauty, the book is a practical eco-cultural guide. Reid integrates Aboriginal seasonal knowledge with modern botany, explaining when to spot flowering banksias in the south-west or hear bilby diggings in arid zones. Gardeners gain tips on cultivating native nectar plants to attract honeyeaters; birdwatchers receive month-by-month cues for migratory species; educators acquire a concise, curriculum-aligned resource that fits a backpack or a gift box. Owning this copy places a piece of Australiana on your shelf that is both scientifically current and increasingly collectible.
Refer to our eBay listing for a full condition report and many more high-quality pictures of this item.
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