AustLit
Latest Issues
AbstractHistoryArchive Description
'With a Victoria Cross and Medal for Gallantry, Ben Roberts-Smith was the most highly decorated Australian soldier, the best of the best. When he returned to civilian life, he became a poster boy for a nation hungry for warrior heroes. He embodied the myth of the classic Anzac, seven-foot-tall and bulletproof. But as his public reputation continued to grow, inside the army rumours were circulating. Gold Walkley Award winning journalist Chris Masters was the first to investigate the rumours of summary executions, bloodings and bullying, and began to examine more closely the man we wanted to hero-worship. When the stories hit the headlines and with a billionaire media baron's backing, Ben Roberts-Smith sued. So commenced the defamation trial of the century, a courtroom contest of tightrope tactics and fierce wit. Chris Masters tells the extraordinary story of Ben Roberts-Smith, the man at the centre of this de facto war crimes trial, from the battlegrounds of Afghanistan to the front lines of the Federal Court.'
(Publication summary)
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Other Formats
- Braille.
- Large print.
- Sound recording.
Works about this Work
-
Unfriendly Fire
2023
single work
review
— Appears in: Inside Story , July 2023;
— Review of Crossing the Line 2023 single work autobiography ; Flawed Hero 2023 single work biography'Two new books go behind the scenes with the reporters who exposed Ben Roberts-Smith’s actions in Afghanistan'
-
Chris Masters Flawed Hero
2023
single work
review
— Appears in: The Saturday Paper , 15-21 July 2023;
— Review of Flawed Hero 2023 single work biography'When Ben Roberts-Smith brought his suit against Fairfax Media and journalists Chris Masters and Nick McKenzie, much commentary ensued about the chilling effect of Australian defamation law. But Masters’ new book, Flawed Hero: Truth, lies and war crimes, shows that investigative journalists struggle against far more than just the legal system.' (Introduction)
-
Chris Masters Flawed Hero
2023
single work
review
— Appears in: The Saturday Paper , 15-21 July 2023;
— Review of Flawed Hero 2023 single work biography'When Ben Roberts-Smith brought his suit against Fairfax Media and journalists Chris Masters and Nick McKenzie, much commentary ensued about the chilling effect of Australian defamation law. But Masters’ new book, Flawed Hero: Truth, lies and war crimes, shows that investigative journalists struggle against far more than just the legal system.' (Introduction)
-
Unfriendly Fire
2023
single work
review
— Appears in: Inside Story , July 2023;
— Review of Crossing the Line 2023 single work autobiography ; Flawed Hero 2023 single work biography'Two new books go behind the scenes with the reporters who exposed Ben Roberts-Smith’s actions in Afghanistan'
Awards
- 2024 shortlisted Victorian Premier's Literary Awards — Award for Non-Fiction
- 2023 longlisted Walkley Award — Best Non-Fiction Book