AustLit

'The Australian Historical Studies guideline that critiques should be conducted ‘in the spirit of generosity and engagement, and of furthering an academic conversation’ is particularly apposite when reviewing this book about one of the most bitter historical controversies in recent years. Doug Munro offers a restrained and reflective account of Peter Ryan’s surprising, tasteless and relentless posthumous attack on the person and writings of Manning Clark.' (Publication summary)

'The intriguing title of A Book of Doors gives nothing of the contents away. Anne Richards’ memoir is situated during the turbulent historical and political events of the anti-Vietnam War protests, the anti-apartheid campaigns against the visiting South African Springboks Rugby team, and the beginning of the Black Rights movement in Australia. It takes place in Queensland, then a police state ruled (rather than governed) by Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen, where police violence against protestors was legendary.'  (Introduction)