Australia: A History: by the former Prime Minister Tony Abbott with a foreword by Geoffrey Blainey: From convict colony to great democracy

by Tony Abbott

Genres: Nonfiction

448 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication June 9, 2026

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essentially this is a history of Australia from a political perspective. Seeing how politics changed and shaped us to be the nation that we are today, while also looking at how society and events shaped the politics of each time period.
Tony Abbot writes in an easy-to-read style, though there were a few words that sent me scrambling for a dictionary. There were so many interesting bits of information that helped me relate to my own family history, filled gaps in my historical knowledge, or are just facts to tuck away for interesting conversation at a later date.
It also serves as a reminder not to just accept what you are taught at school, but dig in to other resources, look for additional sources, and research for yourself what really happened in the past - what you find may surprise you.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is surprisingly good, well written and interesting. Abbott has a folksy style similar to Geoffrey Blainey and is as readable and captivating. I especially like how Abbott undermines Labor sacred cows such as being first to remove the White Australia policy and fostering trade and interaction with Asia. Well worth reading, even if you don't agree with his politics