Donald Horne was one of Australia's leading thinkers for close to fifty years, and probably the best Australian non-fiction writer of his generation. His seminal book The Lucky Countrymade the case for a more open, modern, intelligent Australia. He was also famous for removing the words oAustralia for the white mano from the masthead of The Bulletinwhile its editor.
This definitive selection of Horne's writing, skilfully made by his son, Nick, tells the story of his life and intellectual development - from radical conservative to progressive proponent of tolerance and pioneer of Australian cultural studies. Selections from The Lucky Countrysit alongside pithy reflections on Australian history and culture, as well as vivid autobiographical writing.
In the words of Glyn Davis, this important collection shows Donald Horne as oa man who helped the nation understand itselfo.
'He was a great clarifier ... of many of the problems and dilemmas of society.' Frank Moorhouse
'An independent, vigorous critic.'Malcolm Fraser
'He is the finest (non-fiction) writer of our generation.'Hugh Stretton
Reviews
Why do we call Australia the “lucky country”? Because of this titan in our intellectual history. Required reading in Australian autoanalysis, and still compulsively readable. - Ethan, The Book Grocer
