So Monstrous A Travesty
Ross McMullin
Ross McMullin 'combines his detailed knowledge of Labor's history with a deft and often entertaining touch.'
David Day (Australian Historical Studies)A century ago, Australia led the world in progressive social initiatives. Admiring visitors crossed the globe to inspect this advanced social laboratory. Chris Watson’s 1904 ministry, the culmination of Australian Labor’s astonishingly rapid rise, was the first national Labor government in the world.
This book is the story of that pioneering government.
Its accomplished prime minister, little known today, led a cabinet that included two future prime ministers, together with a practically blind ex-labourer and a defence minister who feuded with the British commander-in-chief of Australia’s defence forces. Watson’s cabinet also included the only MP to serve in a Labor ministry without being a member of the Labor Party, and the only MP to be expelled from Australia’s federal parliament.
This book explains how the government came to office, assesses its record and achievements, analyses its defeat, and illuminates its place in Australian history.
Ross McMullin
Ross McMullin is a historian and biographer whose main interests are Australian history, politics and sport. He has researched and written extensively about the impact on Australia of its involvement in World War I. His books include the ALP centenary history The Light on the Hill: The Australian Labor Party 1891–1991, the award-winning biography Pompey Elliott, and So Monstrous a Travesty: Chris Watson and the World’s First National Labour Government. He has also contributed chapters to many other books.
His most recent book is Will Dyson: Australia’s Radical Genius.
Extent: 208
Size: 210mm x 135mm
ISBN (10): 1920769 137
ISBN (13): 9781920769130
RRP: $29.95
Pub date: April 2004
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