The Making of Modern Australia

by William McInnes

Written by bestselling author, William McInnes, with contributions from people right around the country, THE MAKING OF MODERN AUSTRALIA is an affectionate journey through the postwar years in Australia. Filled with stories from regular Australians about life since World War Two and woven throughout with William's own anecdotes and observations, THE MAKING OF MODERN AUSTRALIA pieces together the celebrations, sorrows and spirit of the last fifty years to offer a national picture of our past and present. Told through four main themes - Romance, Religion, Family and Home. From the trepidation of the outbreak of armed conflict to the multicultural melting pot of postwar migration, to falling in and out of love and religion, to the changes in parenting and family relations, this book reveals a very personal view of our country. William McInnes is also joining forces with Essential Media and Entertainment to narrate their four-part documentary series, THE MAKING OF MODERN AUSTRALIA

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Australia

342 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2010

About the author

Darryl William McInnes (born 10 September 1963) is one of Australia’s most popular stage and screen actors.

His leading roles in Sea Change and Blue Heelers have made him a household name. The mini-series Shark Net and My Brother Jack earned him widespread critical acclaim. He has been nominated for numerous stage and screen awards, and has won a Variety Club Drama Award in 1997 and two Logie awards for Most Outstanding Actor in 2000 and 2004.

William grew up in Queensland and has travelled extensively throughout Australia. He now lives in Melbourne with his two children. He was married to the late film maker Sarah Watt.

Reviews

[Xander Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read collection of memories from people around Australia spanning multiple generations. It’s an interesting snapshot panorama spanning multiple backgrounds, and the author does a decent job portraying the good and the bad of Australia’s history.

The only complaint I have is that it’s a bit Caucasian-centric, and there’s only a few representations of other backgrounds. Other than that though it’s a pleasant read.

[Alayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book produced from an ABC TV show of the same name. Easily read, in William McInnes' usual friendly style, it covers the time from the end of the second World War to 2010 when the book is published. Consisting of stories of Australians New and old it makes for an enjoyable read.

[Derelict Space Sheep · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thoughtful social history of Australia post Second World War, structured around McInnes’s own reminiscences plus interviews with Australians from a wide variety of backgrounds. Without shying away from our well-documented national failings, McInnes makes a case for embracing a common heritage.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Some insights into an Australia that has gone now. I can hear his voice in my head.

[Kathy GWRH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read.
Didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as ‘A Man’s Got To Have A Hobby’
Lots of little interesting anecdotes and stories of earlier Australian life with snippets of William’s life thrown in.

[Kangaroo Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. William McInnes is a great storyteller, and naturally very funny! Loved reading this! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

My parents purchased this as a Christmas gift for my boyfriend. I enjoyed it and having grown up there I enjoyed the trip down memory lane (despite being a child of the 80's) however I think it required some knowledge of Australia already to fully appreciate the book and grasp the commentary. It was interesting to see a book capture much of what I hadn't experienced but my parents had talked about.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my life! Growing up post-war in Australia. The stories of individuals and families in their own words with photos, alongside linking commentary by McInnes. Goes very well with Peter Fitzsimon's book "A Simpler Time" too. The books deals with childhood, relationships, religion, the migrant experience and the home. Wonderful.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got this as a birthday gift, so read it on my flight back from Oz. Good bits and some interesting stories, and then it starts to get pretty heavy with agendas, and I didn't much care for it - that was the last 1/3 or so of the book. Interesting enough read, but I'm sure it was much better as a TV series, which is where it comes from.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Born in 1946 I could relate well to the information conveyed in this book. And indeed much of it made me feel very nostalgic. The author's method of using the reminiscences of selected people was an effective way to illustrate the points he was making. An easy and enjoyable read.

[LibraryKath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautiful nostalgic look at recent Australian history. William McInnes has a lovely sentimental style that is so easy to read.

[Joanne Mcconnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how William writes in Aussie style , casual and colourful. This was also my Australia being born in the same decade & relating so,strongly to the people, places & the times.

[Hayden Bradford · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm guessing if you live in modern Australia, you probably don't want to read about it.