Overview

A revelatory biography of Australia’s longest-serving prime minister. Robert Menzies claimed the prime ministership in 1939 and led the nation during the early years of the war, but resigned two years later when he lost the confidence of his party. His political career seemed over, and yet he staged one of the great comebacks to forge a new political party, devise a new governing philosophy, and craft a winning electoral approach that as to make him Australia’s longest-serving prime minister. The lessons Menzies learned — and the way he applied them — made him a model that every Liberal leader since has looked to for inspiration. But debate over Menzies’ life and legacy has never settled. Who was Robert Menzies, what did he stand for, what did he achieve? Troy Bramston has not only researched the official record and published accounts, but has also interviewed members of Menzies’ family, and his former advisers and ministers. He has also been given exclusive access to family letters, as well as to a series of interviews that Menzies gave that have never been revealed before. They are a major historical find, in which Menzies talks about his life, reflects on political events and personalities, offers political lessons, and candidly assesses his successors. Robert Menzies is the first biography in 20 years of the Liberal icon — and it contains important contemporary lessons for those who want to understand, and master, the art and science of politics.

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9781912854561

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Reviews

`Robert Menzies: The Art of Politics is always judicious and balanced, providing a multifaceted portrait of a key figure of Australian history. This is essential reading for students of politics and history, or anyone interested in the Liberal Party and its deep national influence.' -- Chris Saliba * Book+Publishing * `Using unpublished material, Troy Bramston has added significantly to the many known parts of Sir Robert Menzies showing him to be more complex, reflective and intriguing than the versions adopted by the worshippers and the denigrators.' -- Ian Hancock, Visitor, National Centre of Biography at the Australian National University and the author of two books on the Liberal Party and a biography of John Gorton `Troy Bramston's book on Robert Menzies was a good read. It contains an interesting series of reflections on Menzies' relations with other public figures, especially across the political divide. He writes clearly and well. This work is carefully researched.' -- John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia 1996-2007 and author of <i>The Menzies Era</i> `If you read one book on Robert Menzies, make this the one. A refreshing look at Australia's longest-serving PM. A surprising amount of new information for such a historical figure, and an enjoyable and compelling read to boot.' -- Peter van Onselen, professor of politics at UWA and Griffith universities, political editor for Network Ten, and contributing editor to <i>The Australian</i> `Troy Bramston's biography of Robert Menzies is a very welcome addition to the growing library on Australia's longest-serving prime minister. As well as bringing new material into the public domain, he provides a most thoughtful and insightful appraisal of Menzies' character and achievement.' -- John Nethercote, Adjunct Professor at the Australian Catholic University and editor of <i>Menzies: The Shaping of Modern Australia</i> `We were all young at the time, even Menzies: but Troy Bramston has caught the flavour of an era he was barely old enough to see. Above all he has registered how Menzies, for all his faults of pomp, circumstance and fervent monarchism, did so much to create the Australia that has since established itself as the envy of the world. After WWII it was Menzies who made sure that a new generation got its education for free. As his reward, the new generation vilified him for the rest of his life. But that's Australia: a rough diamond that flays you if you hold it tight but lights the way ahead like torch. This is a thrilling book about a thrilling man. He had his faults, but his virtues are the bedrock of our inheritance.' -- Clive James

Author Information

Troy Bramston is a senior writer and columnist with The Australian newspaper. He was previously a columnist with The Sunday Telegraph. He is the bestselling author or editor of eleven books, including Bob Hawke: demons and destiny (2022), Robert Menzies: the art of politics (2019), and Paul Keating: the big-picture leader (2016). Troy co-authored The Truth of the Palace Letters (2020) and The Dismissal (2015) with Paul Kelly. He is currently writing a biography of Gough Whitlam. Troy’s biography of Bob Hawke was shortlisted for the Australian Political Book of the Year Award. He was the co-winner of the Australian Book Industry Award for The Dismissal. His biography of Paul Keating was a finalist for the Walkley Award, shortlisted for the National Biography Award, and longlisted for the Australian Book Industry Award. He was awarded the Centenary Medal for services towards the centenary of federation commemorations in 2001. He lives in Sydney with his wife, Nicky, and two children, Madison and Angus.

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