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The Antibiography of Robert F. Menzies
A witty, irreverent and intelligent satire of Australian politics.
A soon-to-be-elected Australian prime minister invokes the spirit of Sir Robert Menzies and astonishingly, the Great Man rises from the grave. But in Canberra, amongst the nation's leaders, the revived Menzies is rarely listened to and hardly visible. Increasingly discontented with his role as mere nostalgic symbol, Menzies escapes from Canberra. He runs westward, becoming larger and more powerful as he runs.
This, perhaps the most significant untold story in Australian political history, lands in the lap of the Antibiographer, whose contracted book on Menzies is years behind schedule. Could this be the break the Antibiographer needs to redeem his career? Will he be able to track down the Menziean colossus and save his book and reputation? And can the out-of-control Menzies ever be contained?
The Antibiography of Robert F. Menzies is playful, lyrical, surprisingly poignant and very funny.
"Gutsy and iconoclastic. Satire should always be this inventive and insightful." - Nigel Krauth
"Entertaining and impressive work ... one is left with resonances of the Menzies voice and character, both Beowulf and Grendel." - Brian Castro
A soon-to-be-elected Australian prime minister invokes the spirit of Sir Robert Menzies and astonishingly, the Great Man rises from the grave. But in Canberra, amongst the nation's leaders, the revived Menzies is rarely listened to and hardly visible. Increasingly discontented with his role as mere nostalgic symbol, Menzies escapes from Canberra. He runs westward, becoming larger and more powerful as he runs.
This, perhaps the most significant untold story in Australian political history, lands in the lap of the Antibiographer, whose contracted book on Menzies is years behind schedule. Could this be the break the Antibiographer needs to redeem his career? Will he be able to track down the Menziean colossus and save his book and reputation? And can the out-of-control Menzies ever be contained?
The Antibiography of Robert F. Menzies is playful, lyrical, surprisingly poignant and very funny.
"Gutsy and iconoclastic. Satire should always be this inventive and insightful." - Nigel Krauth
"Entertaining and impressive work ... one is left with resonances of the Menzies voice and character, both Beowulf and Grendel." - Brian Castro
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 27, 2014
Not that I have a vested interest or anything, but if you feel like a break from Realism, and some intellectual playfulness, this may be a book for you. Fully footnoted and with no reliable narrators.
December 13, 2013
Stunning! Very, very funny with lots of laugh out loud moments. As well, incisive political commentary; remarkable insight . Beautiful writing; Cohen is up there with the very best.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews