Malcolm Fraser is one of the least known, most interesting and possibly most misunderstood of Australia's prime ministers. In this book, part memoir and part authorised biography, Fraser, at the age of 79, explains himself and his record in government for the first time, speaking from his experience to the present and the future. The book traces the story of a shy boy who was raised to be seen and not heard, yet grew to become one of the most persistent, insistent and controversial political voices of our times. From the Vietnam War to the Dismissal and his years as Prime Minister, through to his many disputes with the Howard government, Fraser emerges as an enduring liberal, constantly reinterpreting core values to meet the needs of changing times.

Author Biography

Malcolm Fraser was born in May 1930 and entered federal parliament in 1955 after graduating from Oxford University. He served first as Minister for Army and later as Minister for Defence, and Education and Science.He became Prime Minister on 11 November 1975 following the dismissal of the Whitlam Labor Government. He resigned from parliament following the March 1983 election defeat after nearly 28 years as the Member for Wannon.From 1989, Fraser played a key role in bringing an end to apartheid in South Africa as co-chairman of the Commonwealth appointed Committee of Eminent Persons. He was founding Chairman of CARE Australia from 1987 to December 2001, and also served as President of CARE International. He remains at the forefront of political and social debate.Margaret Simons is a freelance journalist and writer, and also a senior lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology. She has written numerous books and essays, including The Meeting of the Waters, about the Hindmarsh Island Bridge Affair, and The Content Makers- Understanding the Australian Media. She lives in Melbourne with her husband and two children.