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Hawke PM: The making of a legend
The companion volume to YOUNG the making of a larrikin from the award-winning historian and author of CURTIN and CHIFLEY
Bob Hawke was one of the most influential Australians of the twentieth century, firstly as Australia's most powerful trade union leader in the 1970s before becoming the longest serving Labor prime minister in the 1980s. The government of this formerly hard-drinking womaniser did much to transform the Australian economy, reorient Australian foreign policy towards Asia and introduce groundbreaking social welfare measures, including Medicare, and did much to promote the advancement of women. After the difficult years of the late 70s and early 80s, it was a time of renewed confidence that was exemplified by the winning of the America's Cup and the celebration of Australia's Bicentenary. It was also a time of national introspection, with the demand for a treaty with the Aborigines, the 75th anniversary of Gallipoli and the questioning of Australian identity. Bob Hawke was at the centre of it all, and for much of his time in office enjoyed an unprecedented level of popularity. But there was a prime minister-in-waiting who was intent on taking his position and a difficult family life that contrasted with the public image. This is the definitive biography of one of Australia's most important prime ministers.
Bob Hawke was one of the most influential Australians of the twentieth century, firstly as Australia's most powerful trade union leader in the 1970s before becoming the longest serving Labor prime minister in the 1980s. The government of this formerly hard-drinking womaniser did much to transform the Australian economy, reorient Australian foreign policy towards Asia and introduce groundbreaking social welfare measures, including Medicare, and did much to promote the advancement of women. After the difficult years of the late 70s and early 80s, it was a time of renewed confidence that was exemplified by the winning of the America's Cup and the celebration of Australia's Bicentenary. It was also a time of national introspection, with the demand for a treaty with the Aborigines, the 75th anniversary of Gallipoli and the questioning of Australian identity. Bob Hawke was at the centre of it all, and for much of his time in office enjoyed an unprecedented level of popularity. But there was a prime minister-in-waiting who was intent on taking his position and a difficult family life that contrasted with the public image. This is the definitive biography of one of Australia's most important prime ministers.
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About the author
David Day
286 books267 followersDavid Day (b. 14 October 1947 in Victoria, British Columbia) is a Canadian author of over forty books: poetry, natural history, ecology, mythology, fantasy, and children's literature. Internationally he is most notably known for his literary criticism on J. R. R. Tolkien and his works.
After finishing high school in Victoria, British Columbia, Day worked as a logger for five years on Vancouver Island before graduating from the University of Victoria. Subsequently he has travelled widely, most frequently to Greece and Britain.
Day has published six books of poems for adults and ten illustrated children's books of fiction and poetry. His non-fiction books on natural history include The Doomsday Book of Animals, The Whale War, Eco Wars: a Layman Guide to the Environmental Movement, Noah's Choice and most recently Nevermore: A Book of Hours - Meditations on Extinction (2012).
His Doomsday Book was a Time Magazine Book of the Year and became the basis for the 100 part animated-short TV series "Lost Animals of the 20th Century".
David Days best-selling books on the life and works of JRR Tolkien include: A Tolkien Bestiary, Tolkien: the Illustrated Encyclopedia, Tolkien's Ring, The World of Tolkien and The Hobbit Companion.
Day's Tolkien's Ring was illustrated by academy award-winning artist Alan Lee, as was Castles, The Animals Within, Gothic and Quest For King Arthur.
After finishing high school in Victoria, British Columbia, Day worked as a logger for five years on Vancouver Island before graduating from the University of Victoria. Subsequently he has travelled widely, most frequently to Greece and Britain.
Day has published six books of poems for adults and ten illustrated children's books of fiction and poetry. His non-fiction books on natural history include The Doomsday Book of Animals, The Whale War, Eco Wars: a Layman Guide to the Environmental Movement, Noah's Choice and most recently Nevermore: A Book of Hours - Meditations on Extinction (2012).
His Doomsday Book was a Time Magazine Book of the Year and became the basis for the 100 part animated-short TV series "Lost Animals of the 20th Century".
David Days best-selling books on the life and works of JRR Tolkien include: A Tolkien Bestiary, Tolkien: the Illustrated Encyclopedia, Tolkien's Ring, The World of Tolkien and The Hobbit Companion.
Day's Tolkien's Ring was illustrated by academy award-winning artist Alan Lee, as was Castles, The Animals Within, Gothic and Quest For King Arthur.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 6, 2025
A good, informative book. Interesting how it’s titled ‘making of legend’ because it sees Hawke come off as sleazy, narcissistic and incredibly corrupt.. perhaps an accurate portrait.
April 4, 2026
A great memoir about one of our greatest Prime Ministers. My only criticism of this stellar book is that it needed more critical discourse. Day, a superb political biographer tells the story of Hawke as Prime Minister through outstanding research and lays out the facts as historical record. Where is the evaluation of certain decisions - of particular motivations? Hawke led a government of outstanding political brains. It is Hawke who has the status, the charisma and yes, the sociopathic tendencies of a true narcissist to deliver not only electoral success but true reform that has transpired and made Australia a modern player. Great book about a deeply flawed but ultimately outstanding leader.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews