No account of Gough Whitlam can satisfy the curiosity about this titular politician. There has been no one like Gough Whitlam in the public eye–a charismatic, inspirational leader who ushered in a reform revolution to modernise Australia, which even critics admit, endures to this day. But his immense self-belief, relentless determination, misjudgement and blunders were truly Shakespearean and help explain his downfall.
Drawing on 1000’s of pages of newly discovered archives and interviews with more than 100 people, Troy Bramston, Australia’s leading political biographer, gives the most comprehensive, researched account of Whitlam’s life and career ever published. It is an epic story of triumph and tragedy, filled with revelations that surprise and shock, but offer insights into Gough’s family and upbringing, wartime service and legal career; ascending through Labor ranks, prime ministership; to a life after politics. The book’s release coincides with the “50th” anniversary of his dismissal. Its the first major biography since his death in 2014. It is praised for its balanced, non partisan approach that covers his “visionary” achievements and his crestfallen blunders and fatal leadership flaws.
Veteran political journalist Laurie Oakes called it a “bunker buster of a biography smashing through partisanship and legend in search of truth”. Historian Frank Bongiorno called it a “model biography”. The tremendous interest surrounding this book speaks volumes about Gough Whitlam, his powerful snd enduring hold on the affection and imagination of so many Australians. Not just the ‘true believers’ who have maintained their enthusiasm.
Troy writes about the staff on Gough’s 1969 election campaign having to haul around a trunk filled with volumes of Hansard and vast accumulation of newspaper clippings, and index cards of policy proposals. The book offers a comprehensive account of Whitlam’s life before politics and a thoughtful examination of what drew him to parliament and the road he followed to the leadership. We gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped his character. His political awakening under Curtin and the 1944 referendum that inspired a lifetime obsession with reforming the Constitution. His mastery of the House of Representive, a reflection of his deep respect for that institution. This is an outstanding biography of one of Australia’s greatest Prime Ministers.
TROY BRAMSTON ‘GOUGH WHITLAM THE DEFINITIVE BIOGRAPHY
ISBN 9781460763872
Harper Collins Australia
