Book excerpt: "The Art of Being Melbourne examines the imaging and imagining of a city. Melbourne's remarkable youth, accelerated development and remote perspective offer a unique insight into the creation and ideation of a city. Through the eyes of artists we watch as Melbourne oscillates between Place and Idea. More than simply a stidy of art or history, this book is witness to the miraculous metamorphosis of a single location over two centuries, and the parallel invocation of culture and identity." -- Back cover.