AustLit

'This is a detailed and thorough study of a fascinating aspect of Australian history, based on a meticulous examination of written records and oral testimonies obtained through interviews in both Australia and Japan. The author depicts the relatively small-scale industry in the Torres Strait that was focused primarily on obtaining pearl shell for overseas markets where it was used to produce buttons. The theme that emerges most strongly throughout the book is the nature of the weaknesses that are evident in the industry's history. These include its reliance on cheap labour from an indigenous population whose aspirations were rarely accommodated, refusal to address seriously the issue of sustaining the resource over time and lack of success in developing a viable marketing strategy.' (Introduction)