Young Hawke: The biography of one of the most influential and recognisable Australians from the award-winning historian and author of CURTIN and CHIFLEY

(Hardback)

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Bob Hawke was one of the most influential Australians of the twentieth century, firstly as president of the ACtU from 1969-80 and federal president of the ALP from 1973-78, and then as prime minister from 1983-91. the government of this formerly hard-drinking womaniser did much to transform the Australian economy, reorient Australian foreign policy towards Asia and introduce groundbreaking social welfare measures. After the difficult years of the late 70s and early 80s, it was a time of renewed confidence that was exemplified by the winning of the America's Cup and the celebration of Australia's Bi-centenary. It was also a time of national introspection, with the demand for a treaty with the Aborigines, the 75th anniversary of Gallipoli and the questioning of Australian identity. Bob Hawke was at the centre of it all, and for much of his time in office enjoyed an unprecedented level of popularity. But there was a prime minister-in-waiting who was intent on taking his position and a difficult family life that contrasted with the public image.this is the definitive, one volume biography of one of Australia's most important prime ministers.

Author Bio

David Day has written widely on Australian history and the history of World War II. His biography of John Curtin won the 2000 Queensland Premiers Literary Awards Prize for History and was shortlisted for the 2000 New South Wales Premiers Literary Awards Douglas Stewart Prize for Non-Fiction, while his biography of Ben Chifley was shortlisted for the New South Wales Premiers Award for History in 2002. David Day is currently an Honorary Associate with the History Program at La Trobe University and a visiting professor at the University of Aberdeen. He lives in Eltham, Victoria.