Stuart Macintyre Libri

The book explores the rise and fall of communism in Australia, highlighting its peak in the 1940s when unions led by communists wielded significant influence. It examines how the party empowered workers to strive for a better life, only to face decline due to disillusionment with the Soviet model and public backlash from strikes and political hostility. Despite these challenges, the enduring bonds of comradeship and political engagement among loyal members remain a poignant aspect of this history. This volume is part of a comprehensive series on Australian communism.

The book delves into Australia's transformation from the turmoil of World War I and the Great Depression to a thriving society by the 1950s. Key figures such as John Curtin and Ben Chifley played pivotal roles in the country's reconstruction amidst wartime challenges. It also highlights Australia's efforts on the global stage, as it sought to establish a new world order aimed at fostering peace and prosperity. Through a blend of individual contributions and national resilience, the narrative illustrates a remarkable period of growth and renewal.

The intense public debate surrounding Australia's history has led to significant polarization among its citizens, with key topics including the concept of the 'fair go', Indigenous dispossession, the Anzac legend, and the strategic alliance with the United States. In their exploration, Stuart Macintyre and Anna Clark highlight how historians have become embroiled in this ideological conflict. This edition features a new afterword by Macintyre, reflecting on the controversies that arose after the book's initial release and the implications for understanding Australian history.

Exploring alternative narratives, this book features prominent Australian historians like Stuart Macintyre who delve into counterfactual history regarding Australia's past. By posing thought-provoking "what if" scenarios, the authors challenge conventional historical interpretations and encourage readers to consider how different decisions or events could have reshaped the nation’s history. This engaging examination offers fresh insights into Australia's historical trajectory through imaginative speculation.

The fifth edition of A Concise History of Australia brings together the long narrative of Australia's First Nations' peoples; the arrival of Europeans and the era of colonies, convicts, gold and free settlers; the foundation of a nation state; and the social, cultural, political and economic developments that created a modern Australia.

The third edition of this book explores the key social, economic, and political factors that have influenced modern-day Australia.

The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of social sciences in Australian universities over the past 60 years, highlighting disciplines such as economics, psychology, history, law, and philosophy. It explores the evolving circumstances of these fields and their impact on public policy, while addressing the systemic issues that lead to their perception as lesser compared to science and technology. The examination reveals the support mechanisms in place and the ongoing challenges faced by social sciences in academia.