The Wakefield Companion to South Australian History is a one-volume guide to events, institutions, people, places, themes and topics of significance in the history of South Australia. It provides an authoritative and comprehensive source of historical background information, presented in readily accessible language and format. While paying attention to distinctive, innovatory and unusual elements in South Australian history, the Companion also underlines the contribution made by South Australians to the broader national culture, polity and society.
The first edition of The Wakefield Companion to South Australian History, released in 2001, was a landmark publication, the first such work of reference for any Australian state or territory. This new edition features more than 90 newly commissioned biographical memoirs and nearly 300 updated entries, besides some 40 additional thematic articles. This is a lively, wide-ranging work, presenting the latest findings and perspectives of 356 expert contributors.