Hobart

In this updated edition, Peter Timms leads us on a journey through his adopted city of Hobart, Australia's smallest, most southerly, least prosperous, but arguably most beautiful state capital. He reveals a city in transition, shaking off its dark and troubled past to claim its special place in the post-modern world: 'going boutique, nice and slow', as one overseas visitor notes. From Hobart's convict legacy, its spectacular natural setting, heritage architecture and climate, to crime rates, economic hardship, the recent disfigurements of the developers, and the opening of MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art) Hobart's newest tourist attraction. Timms brings a wealth of fresh insights. He explores the city with a mixture of affection, admiration, frustration and sadness, interviewing a wide range of residents along the way. Those who have experienced Hobart as tourists will be surprised and intrigued by the lively, complex society this book reveals. Those who live here will surely discover their city anew.

Peter Timms was born in Melbourne and worked in museums and art galleries in Victoria and New South Wales until 1988. Since then, he has been a freelance writer, including periods as editor of Art Monthly and art critic for The Age. He has published thirteen books, including What’s wrong with contemporary art?, Silliness: A serious history and the novel Asking for Trouble.