Dreamers and Schemers
A Political History of Australia
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4.7 • 3 Ratings
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- $19.99
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- $19.99
Publisher Description
A landmark book - the first full political history of Australia
In this compelling and comprehensive work, renowned historian Frank Bongiorno presents a social and cultural history of Australia's political life, from pre-settlement Indigenous systems to the present day.
Depicting a wonderful parade of dreamers and schemers, Bongiorno surveys moments of political renewal and sheds fresh light on our democratic life. From local pubs and meeting halls to the parliament and cabinet; from pamphleteers and stump orators to party agents and operatives - this enthralling account looks at the political insiders in the halls of power, as well as the agitators and outsiders who sought to shape the nation from the margins.
A work of political history like no other, Dreamers and Schemers will transform the way you look at Australian politics.
‘With acuity and grace, Bongiorno divines the soul of the nation ... All told with a cheeky eye for detail and nose for skullduggery by a historian in full archival, narrative and rhetorical flight. A landmark work’ -Clare Wright
‘Bongiorno is one of our premier historians and this is his masterwork. An original take on our politics and people, written with an open mind and warm Australian heart.’ -George Megalogenis
Customer Reviews
Politicians. Can’t live with ‘em…
The author is Australian. He is a professor of history, and former head of the School of History, at the Australian National University and has a lengthy CV.
The book starts with a reconstruction of how First Nations peoples governed themselves, based on recorded observations of early white settlers, or invaders, depending on your point of view, and subsequent anthropological research. Mr B moves on to the politics, such as they were, of the chaotic early days of British settlement, through the evolution of the separate colonies towards federation, and on to contemporary times. Given the relative volume of documentation available, the bulk of the book is devoted to politics post-1850, and especially after 1901. The shenanigans inside and outside parliament a hundred years ago speak to the truth of Mark Twain’s observation, paraphrased here: History may not repeat, but it certainly rhymes.
The style is clear and well suited to lay readers, the reference list impressive, and, by and large, Mr B does not allow his own opinions to intrude into the narrative. That having been said, while some details were news to me, most of the book was not.