ten prime ministers
Life among the politicians

Wallace Brown
With cartoons by Geoff Pryor

'an excellent work of political history and anecdotage that should grace the shelves of anyone interested in post-war Australian politics'
The Honourable Bob Carr, Premier of NSW

'A good read, a good trove of information from a veteran who has served his craft with distinction and honour to his profession and in service to the community.'
The Honourable Mr Bill Hayden

'Wallace Brown commands a unique knowledge of the political history of this country. Ten Prime Ministers is a singular journalistic performance. It gives an insight into facets of people which have never hitherto been considered with such authenticity.'
Sir James Killen in the Foreword

Ten Prime Ministers is a captivating inside account of the strengths, weaknesses and personalities of Australia 's recent ten prime ministers, from Menzies to Howard.

In this engaging account Wallace Brown gives us a rare opportunity to see inside the careers of Australia 's recent prime ministers. He tells untold stories of his travels, conversations, and experiences with these ten top political leaders who have shaped the country over the past 40 years.

It would be difficult to find anyone with more personal experience of reporting on, commenting about, and travelling with our prime ministers.

Brown's skill is in distilling so much detail into a lucid and revealing account.

• What was Holt's mood in his final days?
• Which PM stepped off his plane carrying a loaded pistol in his pocket?
• Which country believes 'I like Aeroplane Jelly' is Australia 's National Anthem?
• How has the new parliament house changed the governing of Australia ?
• Does true wit still exist in the Australian parliament?

About the author

Wallace Brown is a veteran political journalist. After working in London and New York for the Herald and Weekly Times, he has been in the National Parliamentary Press Gallery since 1961, representing the Courier-Mail, Brisbane .

During his time in Canberra , he has covered 17 general elections, 38 annual Budgets, 10 Prime Ministers, 8 Governors-General, 11 Opposition Leaders.

He is a foundation member and former president of the National Press Club; former vice-president of the Press Gallery; member of the Old Parliament House Redevelopment Committee, and recipient of an OAM for services to journalism.

November 2002
Paperback: ISBN 1-920681-04-3
252 pages
198 x 129mm