John Alexander Ferguson was a leading barrister and esteemed judge of the New South Wales Industrial Commission for much of his successful career, and actively contributed to the history of his country. A highly industrious man, Ferguson worked tirelessly to act for the public good. His defining contribution to the history of Australia however, was his magisterial, seven volume BIBLIOGRAPHY OF AUSTRALIA (1941-1969) which describes, with some limited exceptions, every printed document concerning Australia from 1784 to 1901. Many of these can be found in the Ferguson Collection which amasses some of Australia's most significant, rare and unique colonial records as well as pictures and maps that track the birth of Australia.

This book is a research guide to the literatures of Australia and New Zealand. It contains references to many different types of resources, paying special attention to the unique challenges inherent in conducting research on the literatures of these two distinct but closely connected countries.