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Doing Politics
Writing on Public Life
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Doing Politics
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A brilliant collection of the best essays by award-winning writer Judith Brett, long revered by those in the know as Australia’s brightest and most astute political commentator.
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Description
Since the 1980s, Judith Brett has been helping to shape Australians’ conversations about politics, bringing a historian’s eye to contemporary issues and probing the psychology of our prime ministers. Her writings about Liberal Party leaders have been widely influential, especially her famous 1984 essay Robert Menzies’ Forgotten People and her prize-winning book of the same name, as well as her analysis of John Howard’s nationalism.
Brett has interrogated some of our most complex issues: multiculturalism, the politics of rural Australia, the republic, mining and climate change, our electoral traditions, the way ordinary people do politics, and the decline of universities. Always, she writes as a citizen for her fellow citizens, in her distinctive voice: enquiring, accessible, and wry.
Doing Politics brings together the finest essays by the author of The Enigmatic Mr Deakin, From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage, and the Quarterly Essay ‘The Coal Curse’.
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?
Doing Politics by Judith Brett is praised for its historical insight and intellectual rigour, offering nuanced perspectives on contemporary politics. Critics commend Brett's ability to provide clarity and compassion, blending scholarly depth with personal reflections. The collection of essays reveals the moral challenges and complexities of current political structures while maintaining an optimistic outlook on the potential for positive change.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781922330987
Publisher: Text Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 02 November 2021
Country: Australia
Imprint: The Text Publishing Company
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 153.0mm
Height: 234.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 320
About the Author
Judith Brett is emeritus professor of politics at La Trobe University and a regular contributor to the Monthly magazine. Her books include Robert Menzies’ Forgotten People, The Enigmatic Mr Deakin (winner of the 2018 National Biography Award), From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage and four Quarterly Essays.
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Fearless Beatrice Faust
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The Enigmatic Mr Deakin
The Enigmatic Mr Deakin by Judith Brett explores the life of Alfred Deakin—scholar, spiritualist, prime minister—who played a crucial role in the formation of modern Australia. In this first biography of Deakin in over fifty years, acclaimed political historian Judith Brett skillfully intertwines his public, private, and family lives. Brett uncovers the character behind the image of a dignified, bearded...Paperback$4100Elsewhere:$4500Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage: How Australia Got Compulsory Voting
Alone among English-speaking democracies, Australia compels its citizens to vote. It forces politicians to consider the impact of their policies on all groups of Australians, especially the disadvantaged and marginalised, and so contributes to a more equal and just society. It's compulsory to vote in Australia. We are one of a handful of countries in the world that enforce this...Paperback$3800Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Coal Curse
Judith Brett explores the consequences of Australia's coal addiction, from stalled climate-change policy to tensions between farmers and miners. Australia is a wealthy nation with the economic profile of a developing country – heavy on raw materials, and low on innovation and skilled manufacturing. Once we rode on the sheep's back for our overseas trade; today we rely on cartloads...Paperback$3500Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Exit Right
In Exit Right, Judith Brett explains why the tide turned on John Howard. This is an essay about leadership, in particular Howard's style of strong leadership which led him to dominate his party with such ultimately catastrophic results. In this definitive account, Brett discusses how age became Howard's Achilles heel, how he lost the youth vote, how he lost Bennelong,...Paperback$3500Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Pre-orderFrom Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage
The lively, fascinating history of compulsory voting in Australia is now in a second edition, featuring new content about the Teal independents and an index. 'This is the story of a young democracy that is unique. A thrilling and valuable book.' — Annabel Crabb It's compulsory to vote in Australia. We are one of a handful of countries in the...Paperback$4500Unit price /UnavailableOut 8 Sep 2026Pre-order
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