The Enigmatic Mr Deakin

Alfred Deakinscholar, spiritualist, prime ministerwas instrumental in creating modern Australia. In the first biography of Deakin in more than half a century, the acclaimed political historian Judith Brett deftly weaves together his public, private and family lives. She brings out from behind the image of a worthy, bearded father of federation the principled and passionate, gifted and eccentric figure whose legacy continues to shape the contours of the nation's politics.

Judith Brett is the award-winning author of Robert Menzies' Forgotten People, emeritus professor of politics at La Trobe University and one of Australia's leading political thinkers. She contributes regularly to the Monthly and has written three Quarterly Essays.

'This is the first book to bring together the spiritual, political and personal life of one of Australia's most significant politicians Alfred Deakin. As Brett deftly explores and weaves these strands together we begin to understand Alfred Deakin, his motivations and indeed his enigmatic qualities. This is a psychological study of Australia's former Prime Minister. Beginning with his Melburnian upbringing Brett shows how his social and familial context shaped him. The city of Melbourne of the period is revealed as crucial to how we are to comprehend and understand Deakin. Brett is a fine writer, and the text displays her curiosity and her depth of knowledge. This is a comprehensive work which will stand as a definitive source on Alfred Deakin.' Prime Minister's Literary Awards 2018, Judges' comments

'Truly one of the great political biographies of our time, a delicately nuanced, warm and insight account ofmy personal misgiving asideone of the most noteworthy political figures in Australian history.' Inside Story

'The Enigmatic Mr Deakin stands as the culmination of her work on the history, politics and philosophy of Australian liberals, and it is the one biography of Deakin to which we will repeatedly return. Brett's writing is capable of extraordinary clarity, insight and compassion.' Monthly

'Judith Brett has proven the perfect biographer' Jason Steger on National Biography Award win, Sydney Morning Herald

'A significant contribution to biography and political history that is beautifully written and full of interest.' Royal Victorian Historical Society

'Accessible and informative, this style of biography layers facts over questions that draw in readers curious about what makes human beings do the things we do. This is biography for our times.' Daily Review

'The Enigmatic Mr Deakin explores our second prime minister's career with full attention to his intense inner life and family relationships. Her title points to the puzzles, but Brett doesn't simplify; she ponders, suggests, dramatises. Closely observed and psychologically persuasive, this is more than a life-and-times; it is a life.' Australian Book Review

'This excellent biography will appeal to general readers, students and anyone interested in historical biography.' Books+Publishing

'A woman's eye on a powerful man has never felt so penetrating, perceptive and, surprisingly, loving.' Clare Wright, Sydney Morning Herald's Year in Reading

'Alfred Deakin, long my favourite Victorian, was truly the full package: polymath, progressive, idealist, spiritualist, man of action. And he had a fantastic beard. All he lacked was a good biographybut not anymore.' Saturday Paper**, Best Books of 2017**

'In this engrossing and quietly profound biography, Judith Brett brings Deakin back into Australia's contemporary political imagination, so we can better und

Dettagli