POWER WITHOUT GLORY
Book review | …
A social and political history of Australia set between the years 1890 and 1950. Centred around John West, this is the infamous story of much of his life, a rags-to-riches story presented without varnish, glamour, or even redemption. A three-part expose of a notorious Melbourne identity. Road to Power 1890-1907 describes the origins of West’s power. The illicit betting shop in Carringbush. Bribing police. Fixing horse races. Winning in the law courts. An interest in state politics develops. Abuse of Power 1915-1931 examines the next stage of West’s growth and expansion. Ownership of racecourses, stadiums, mines, newspapers, and other assorted businesses. Boxing and wrestling promotions. Bribing police and politicians. Defrauding the taxpayer in Queensland. Maintaining connections with underworld figures. Successfully running political candidates in elections to establish the “West men” in state and federal parliaments. Decline of Power 1935-1950 demonstrates how all things must change eventually. West has dominated Australian, and particularly Victorian, political, and business life for nearly forty years. However, as new social and political forces arise, with differing agendas but all seeking power and wealth, and with only so much to go around, West cannot remain top dog for much longer. Also contains much Australian cultural information. The Industrial Workers of the World. World War I and the conscription referendums of 1916 and 1917. The Irish in Australia. Early Socialists. The Depression. The dole and the Bag System. The Communist Party. The who paid whom and why of early twentieth century Australian politics. A brilliantly written novel that blends historical fact with literary prowess. A worthy exercise in the science of historical research seamlessly intertwined with the art of literary production. Fiction? 672 pages.
DETAILS:
Title: Power without glory
Year: 1950
Author: Frank Hardy
Pages: 672
Book review by Keith Salter
Punk Human 
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