Jonestown

The award-winning biography of controversial radio host Alan Jones explains how he managed to acquire extraordinary power and political influence, and how he wielded it for decades.


WINNER OF THE WALKLEY NON-FICTION BOOK AWARD


WINNER, QUEENSLAND PREMIER'S LITERARY AWARD, THE HARRY WILLIAMS AWARD FOR ADVANCING PUBLIC DEBATE 


SHORTLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BIOGRAPHY AWARD 


SHORTLISTED FOR THE NSW PREMIER'S LITERARY AWARD FOR NON-FICTION 


SHORTLISTED FOR THE AUSTRALIAN BOOK INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD AND BIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR AWARD 


How do we rank a man who raised millions for people in need but whose actions wasted millions in support of unworthy mates and poor public policy? How do we define someone who on his own found jobs for the out of work but who routinely trashed the careers of others? 


These are some of the many paradoxes of Alan Jones. Why was he adored? Why is he reviled? Why did this talk radio host have the power to dine with presidents, lecture prime ministers and premiers, and influence government ministers? And how is it that he could not only survive such a scandal as the 'cash for comment' affair, but go on to greater reward? Chris Masters seeks the answers to these questions and in doing so reveals a complex individual and the potent relationship he has with both Struggle Street and the big end of town. 


Compelling and probing, Jonestown takes us to the hazardous intersection of populism and politics. It reaches deep into a powerful industry and exposes the myth and the magic of a very powerful man. 


'Tough and impassioned this is a finely written and sparkling book.' - Bridget Griffen-Foley, Sydney Morning Herald 


'Masters unveils a richly detailed and surprisingly rounded portrait of Jones profoundly disturbing reading.' - Matthew Ricketson, The Age