Frank Bongiorno

The Australian Labor Party is one of the oldest labour parties in the world and the first to form a government. This short, sharp history tells the story of the party's formation, its successes and failures at winning elections at all levels, its leaders, its key players and the policies that have changed lives. It shows how the ALP has attracted an extraordinary range of members, parliamentary representatives, leaders, unionists, activists and, indeed, opponents. In this updated edition of A Little History of the Australian Labor Party, Nick Dyrenfurth and Frank Bongiorno examine the central role of the ALP in Australian history.

A landmark book - the first full political history of AustraliaIn this compelling and comprehensive work, renowned historian Frank Bongiorno presents a social and cultural history of Australia's political life, from pre-settlement Indigenous systems to the present day. Depicting a wonderful parade of dreamers and schemers, Bongiorno surveys moments of political renewal and sheds fresh light on our democratic life. From local pubs and meeting halls to the parliament and cabinet; from pamphleteers and stump orators to party agents and operatives - this enthralling account looks at the political insiders in the halls of power, as well as the agitators and outsiders who sought to shape the nation from the margins. A work of political history like no other, Dreamers and Schemers will transform the way you look at Australian politics.'With acuity and grace, Bongiorno divines the soul of the nation ... All told with a cheeky eye for detail and nose for skullduggery by a historian in full archival, narrative and rhetorical flight. A landmark work' -Clare Wright'Bongiorno is one of our premier historians and this is his masterwork. An original take on our politics and people, written with an open mind and warm Australian heart.' -George Megalogenis

It was the era of Hawke and Keating, Kylie and INXS, the America's Cup and the Bicentenary. It was perhaps the most controversial decade in Australian history, with high-flying entrepreneurs booming and busting, torrid debates over land rights and immigration, the advent of AIDS, a harsh recession and the rise of the New Right. It was a time when Australians fought for social change - on union picket lines, at rallies for women's rights and against nuclear weapons, and as part of a new environmental movement. And then there were the events that left many scratching their heads- Joh for Canberra ...the Australia Card ... Cliff Young. In The Eighties, Frank Bongiorno brings all this and more to life. He sheds new light on 'both the ordinary and extraordinary things that happened to Australia and Australians during this liveliest of decades'. 'The definitive account of an inspired, infuriating decade' - George Megalogenis 'A very impressive achievement' - The Monthly 'Meaty and entertaining' - The Australian

It was the era of Hawke and Keating, Kylie and INXS, the America's Cup and the Bicentenary. It was perhaps the most controversial decade in Australian history, with high-flying entrepreneurs booming and busting, torrid debates over land rights and immigration, the advent of AIDS, a harsh recession and the rise of the New Right. It was a time when Australians fought for social change - on union picket lines, at rallies for women's rights and against nuclear weapons, and as part of a new environmental movement. And then there were the episodes that left many scratching their heads- Joh for Canberra ...the Australia Card ... Cliff Young. In The Eighties, Frank Bongiorno brings all this and more to life. He uncovers forgotten stories - of factory workers proud of their skills who found themselves surplus to requirements; of Vietnamese families battling to make new lives for themselves in the suburbs. He sheds new light on 'both the ordinary and extraordinary things that happened to Australia and Australians during this liveliest of decades'. The Eighties is contemporary history at its best.'Frank Bongiorno has successfully negotiated the minefield of Australia's political egos to write the definitive account of an inspired, infuriating decade.' George Megalogenis

Celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Australian Labor Party (ALP)—one of the oldest labor parties in the world and the first to form a government—this short and lively book recounts ALP’s history from its origins during the late 19th century through present day. The book details the party’s numerous successes in winning government at all levels and its policymaking that has transformed lives, as well as demonstrating how the ALP has attracted an extraordinary range of members, parliamentary representatives, leaders, unionists, activists and, indeed, opponents. The ALP has been a central force in Australia throughout the 20th century, and this concise chronicle tells the story of their triumphs and crises, their colorful characters and famed members, and their evolving aspirations.