Curtin's Empire

Reveals the story behind the leader, John Curtin, whose vision, until now, has been overlooked.

James Curran (Author)

9780521146227, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 31 January 2011

176 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.3 cm, 0.24 kg

John Curtin remains a venerated leader. His role as Labor's wartime supremo is etched deep into the national psyche: the man who put Australia first, locked horns with Churchill, forged the alliance with the United States and became the saviour of the nation in its darkest hour. Drawing on new archival material including sensitive and private correspondence from Curtin never before seen or quoted, Curtin's Empire shows that this British world vision was not imposed on him from abroad, rather it animated Curtin from deep within. Since entering politics Curtin had fought a bitter battle with his opponents - both inside and outside his party - over loyalty, identity and national security. At stake was how he and his party related to the defining idea of Australian politics for their times: Britishness.

1. 'Citadel for the British-speaking race': introduction
2. 'Blatant screamers of loyalty': war and peace, 1914–1928
3. A 'deranged world': leading Labor in the 1930s
4. 'Practical empire patriots': London, 1944
5. 'Partial eclipse': legacy and memory.

Subject Areas: Politics & government [JP], 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW]