Keeper Of The Faith: A biography of Jim Cairns

(Paperback)

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Description

Jim Cairns, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, is a familiar sight around the markets of Melbourne, seated at a card table stacked with copies of his latest book. It's an unlikely occupation for a man who was once the major thinker and driving force behind the ideals and policies of Australia's most reformist government. In this mature and sophisticated biography, Paul Strangio reveals a consistent thread running through the apparent contradictions of Cairns's career. He explains how a policeman turned into a counter-culture guru; how an opponent of capitalism became Minister for Trade; how a devoted husband could feel 'a kind of love' for Juni Morosi. In this highly readable and carefully researched book, Strangio argues that Cairns' contributions to public life have been seriously understimated. Drawing on a rich range of archival and oral sources, and recounting many fascinating anecdotes, this is a masterly portrait of one of those rare people who never stop in their quest for truth.

Reviews

"A persuasive exposition of Cairns's career and interests in ideas--an exposition at once analytical, sceptical and insightful. Strangio's talent for narrative makes this volume very readable." --The Canberra Times

"This admiring biography does full justice to its subject. Or as some would say, more than justice... Strangio's account is brought off with measured detachment and a certain sardonic humour... Scrupulously fair and gracefully written, Strangio's book bears comparison with the best Australian political biography... Srangio has paid (Cairns) the ultimate compliment of taking him as seriously as he took himself." --The Australian

Author Bio

Dr Paul Strangio describes himself as one of the new breed of academic nomads. He has taught Australian politics and history at Deakin University, Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria University of Technology and Monash University. He is the author of No Toxic Dump!: Contesting Corporate and Government Power (2001) and co-editor, with Peter Love, of Arguing the Cold War (2001). He is a regular radio commentator on politics, and contributor to Australia's leading literary and political magazines.