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What's Wrong with Anzac?
The Militarisation of Australian History
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What's Wrong with Anzac?
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
In this brave and controversial book, some of Australia's leading historians dare to criticise Anzac. They show that the Anzac obsession distorts the rest of Australia's history. They investigate official sponsorship of Anzac through commemoration and education and show that this has mobilised it as a conservative force, often for political ends.
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Description
In recent years, Anzac—an idea as much as an actual army corps—has become the dominant force within Australian history, overshadowing everything else. The commemoration of Anzac Day is bigger than ever, while Remembrance Day, VE Day, VP Day, and other military anniversaries grow in significance each year.
Pilgrimages to Gallipoli, the Somme, and Kokoda are commonplace, and popular military history dominates the bestseller lists. Anzac has seemingly become a sacred, untouchable element of the nation.
In this brave and controversial book, some of Australia's leading historians dare to criticise Anzac. They show that the Anzac obsession distorts the rest of Australia's history. They investigate official sponsorship of Anzac through commemoration and education and show that this has mobilised it as a conservative force, often for political ends.
Finally—and perhaps most devastatingly—they ask whether the grief and loss associated with bloodshed on foreign shores was all worth it.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
What's Wrong with Anzac? has sparked critical discussion by challenging the largely uncontested narrative of Anzac in Australian history. Reviewed as a bold critique, it brings together the perspectives of eminent historians to question the pervasive Anzac legend, inviting readers to reconsider its place and influence in Australian culture.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781742231518
Publisher: NewSouth Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 April 2010
Country: Australia
Imprint: NewSouth Publishing
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 15.0mm
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 231.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 192
About the Author
Henry Reynolds is one of Australia's best known and most widely read historians. He is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Tasmania. His sustained and meticulous research has played a major part in the political and legal milestones, the Mabo and Wik judgements. Professor Reynolds' books include With the White People (1990), Fate of a Free People (1995), This Whispering in Our Hearts (1998), Why Weren't We Told? (1999, 2000), Fate of a Free People and Nowhere People
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