The Australian Century : Political Struggle in the Building of a Nation

At the dawn of the twentieth century Australia became a nation. The Australian Century provides nine essays by distinguished historians on key events and issues which have defined our path to independent nationhood.

Contributors including Brian de Garis, John Hirst, Allan W. Martin and Paul Kelly discuss such critical turning points as the 'small miracle' of federation, the turmoil of the Great Depression, the bitter Labour Split in the 1950s, the turbulent Whitlam era, the impact of globalisation, the fight for Aboriginal rights and the quest for an Australian republic.

Engaging and accessible, The Australian Century is an indispensable and authoritative guide to Australia's history.

Praise for The Australian Century:

'The Australian Century is an optimistic enterprise aiming to map where Australia has come in its first century of federation. As well as contributing a compelling account of the Whitlam government, Manne, as editor, has ensured all of the essays are extremely readable and of a high standard...such thoughtful and independent reflections on Australian political history are timely.'

Australian Bookseller and Publisher

'Is a nation's character shaped by its politics? That's the fascinating question behind Robert Manne's effort to stir our minds about the kind of people we are...This is an impressive and readable account of our 20th century political experience.'

Canberra Times

'Lucid, lively, sophisticated, wearing the latest learning in political studies not lightly but not ponderously either.'

Bulletin