Australia

How an ancient land became a great democracy

Australia is one of the world's great success stories: a land long hidden from outsiders, chosen as a convict dumping ground, where - since 1788 - people from many backgrounds have built one of the freest, fairest and most prosperous countries on earth.

By the standards of a harsher time, the early governors tried to respect the original inhabitants and to encourage the convict outcasts of the British Isles to make a new start to a better life. This Indigenous heritage, British foundation and immigrant character have shaped the land of the 'fair go' especially for those willing to 'have a go'. It's not perfect, even now, yet mostly we have a history to be proud of. Within a century of settlement, Australia had not only the world's highest standard of living but had become a global pioneer for democratic freedoms such as the secret ballot, the payment of MPs and voting rights for women.

A country largely created by settlement and negotiation has evolved from 'White Australia' at the time of federation into one of the world's most colour-blind societies and has managed the transition from an old 'Anglo' identity to a civic patriotism based on an overriding commitment to Australia and its values.

This book is intended to give anyone interested - as every Australian should be - an account of our past that's positive, while not oblivious to our mistakes and imperfections as a nation. If to be an Australian is still to have won the lottery of life, the history that's produced us is surely something to savour.

PRAISE

'Tony Abbott's book is inspired by love of country, yet he comes to grip with our flaws. This is a fresh, powerful, highly readable single-volume history of Australia that deserves a wide audience' Paul Kelly, editor-at-large, The Australian

'Scholarly researched, scrupulously fair-minded and very engagingly written, this is big narrative history at its best. It explains why Australia is such a wonderfully unique place, and why history is all the better when written by those who themselves helped make it' - Andrew Roberts, author, Churchill: Walking with Destiny

'Not quite the "white armband" version of history I was expecting in the first half, nor a "Liberal Party highlights package" in the second half. I enjoyed reading it' - Peter FitzSimons, author, Kokoda

This is an immensely readable account of how - as I frequently call it - the "Australian Achievement" has been built' - Hon John Howard OM AC, former prime minister of Australia

'Tony Abbott's latest book is a powerful antidote to the poison of little and bad history ...

we have much to be thankful for and to build on' - Hon John Anderson AC, former deputy prime minister and leader of the National Party

'if you have a serious interest in Australian history, the book will go on your shelves' Hon Kim Beazley AC, former deputy prime minister

'Tony Abbott has written with reverence and richness, bringing our nation's past, although both painful and proud, to life with striking clarity' Nova Peris OAM OLY, first Aboriginal-Australian Olympic gold medallist and former Labor senator

'This book is a compelling reminder of our inheritance, which gives us a reason to be proud of who we are and the country we've become' - Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, federal senator for Northern Territory

'Tony Abbott brings history to life in a way that is both enlightening and deeply engaging' Brett Lee, former Australian international cricketer

'This book helps us rediscover our past with honesty and respect, so we can better understand our present and shape a stronger, more inclusive future' Dai Le MP, independent member for Fowler