The Enigmatic Mr Deakin

Alfred Deakin—scholar, spiritualist, prime minister—was instrumental in creating modern Australia. In the first biography of Deakin in more than half a century, the acclaimed political historian Judith Brett deftly weaves together his public, private and family lives. She brings out from behind the image of a worthy, bearded father of federation the principled and passionate, gifted and eccentric figure whose legacy continues to shape the contours of the nation's politics.

Destined to become a classic of biography, The Enigmatic Mr Deakin is a masterly portrait of a complex man who was instrumental in creating modern Australia.

‘A biography of immense power that will restore Deakin to his proper place in the national imagination: the mystic politician who gave us Australia.’ David Marr

‘A fresh, revealing and insightful portrait of one of the great figures who shaped Australia.’ Paul Kelly

‘Masterful, tender and utterly compelling.’ Clare Wright

‘Judith Brett has proven the perfect biographer’ Jason Steger, Sydney Morning Herald