First Among Equals: Australia's Prime Ministers From Barton To Turnbull

Description

Since Federation in 1901, 28 men and one woman have served in the position of Australian prime minister. From Barton to Turnbull, they are the leaders who have helped forge Australia's national identity. Some have had the position thrust upon them. Some have plotted and schemed their way to the top. Four have served more than once. Three have died in office. Seven have been unceremoniously dumped by their own party. This small-format reference book tells the story of each of these prime ministers, setting their actions in the context of their time. In today's world of quick-fire politics, it also looks to the future, and to how the public's perception of politics and its leaders is changing in this era of instant communication and social media scrutiny.

Reviews

"Smartly written to hold attention, especially for those who are not politically savvy" * PS News * "Peppered with fascinating facts and written with a wit that will hold the attention of the less politically engaged, First Among Equals is an essential reference book that covers the 28 men and one woman who have served in the position of Australian prime minister since Federation." * Q Magazine * "The stories of of Australia's leaders are fascinating... Verdict: Gets my vote." * Courier Mail * "Smartly written to hold attention, especially for those who are not politically savvy" * PS News *

Author description

Kim Wildman is a journalist and photographer. Derry Hogue is the former foreign editor for the Australian Financial Review.

Table of contents

INTRODUCTION FIRST AMONG EQUALS CHAPTER 1 THE EARLY YEARS OF FEDERATION (1901-13) CHAPTER 2 WORLD WAR I AND THE GREAT DEPRESSION (1913-39) CHAPTER 3 WORLD WAR II AND ITS AFTER-EFFECTS (1939-49) CHAPTER 4 THE WONDER YEARS (1949-72) CHAPTER 5 MULTICULTURALISM AND NATIONAL IDENTITY (1972-2015) CONCLUSION THE ROAD AHEAD (2015- ) GLOSSARY BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX