Dr David Stephens is editor of the Honest History
website. A political scientist with qualifications in public law,
he is a former public servant and government consultant, and has
published widely in journals and newspapers.
Dr Alison Broinowski is an academic, journalist,
writer and former diplomat, having had postings in Japan, the
Philippines, Korea and the Australian Mission to the UN in New
York. Her books include Howard’s War (2003) and Allied and Addicted
(2007).
‘The Honest History group announced its arrival in 2013 with a
clear, urgent purpose: to challenge the dominance of the Anzac
legend in Australian popular memory. As the centenary of World War
I approached, it seemed more important than ever to remind
Australians not just of heroism and sacrifice, but of the social
and political costs of war. The Honest History Book distils this
approach to our history in a series of compelling, highly readable
essays by some of Australia’s most distinguished historians.
Mythbusting and questioning, this book will challenge readers to
think not only about the ways our national stories are told, but
who funds them and for what purpose … It will also encourage
Australians to demand more from the media, government and cultural
institutions that shape our views of our past.’
– Michelle Arrow
‘This book not only offers a vital corrective to the flimflams and
taradiddles of Anzackery, but also gives us a new collection of
fascinating essays on Australian history. Complex, inclusive,
balanced, disruptive and – crucially – evidence-based, The Honest
History Book is destined to provide a much-needed talking point for
teachers, journalists, general readers and, with any luck,
politicians and policy makers. A timely reminder that there is no
such thing as post-truth history.’ – Clare Wright
‘An important book, both timely and compelling: timely because it
provides a powerful and much needed riposte to the current practice
of elevating military history above all other aspects of the
nation’s past.’ – Henry Reynolds
‘Mark Twain once said that Australia’s history read like “the most
beautiful lies”. The Honest History Book introduces some
inconvenient truths. With so many contemporary debates involving
appeals to history, the book concerns the present and future as
well as the past, and invites the kind of contention that a
confident country should welcome.’ – Gideon Haigh
‘For the past 30 years Australians have been enchanted by the story
of the heroic landing of our soldiers at Gallipoli and by a highly
romanticised version of the century-long Anzac military tradition.
The fascinating and vital question this outstanding and highly
readable collection poses is whether an honest version of history
can displace or modify the comforts and dangers of state-cultivated
and politically-motivated myth. The book would be excellent for
high school students and undergraduates.’ – Robert Manne
‘This is collective history at its finest. In promoting non-khaki
stories of our history, The Honest History Book provides us with an
invaluable perspective and a balanced approach to the past. Highly
recommended.’ – Melanie Oppenheimer
‘Fake history is as dangerous as fake news … This has never been
more apparent in Australia than during the Anzac revival, where the
relentless focus on Australian military history has overshadowed
the past contributions and experiences of other Australians. Honest
history – and The Honest History Book – demands better.’ – Martin
Crotty
‘The Honest History Book delves into issues that are pertinent,
painful and part of our wider story. It demands that we activate
our critical thinking, not dull it down and accept what is written.
I would be happy to recommend this book to any of my students,
which is the greatest praise I can give.’ – Matthew Esterman
‘The Honest History Book is an inspiration to think more broadly,
to challenge preconceptions and serially authorised
misrepresentations of our past. This is vital work as Australia
rattles around trying to define some agreed notion of national
self. It’s a must-read for thinking Australians, for the great
truth is that until we acknowledge, understand and face up to our
past, we’ll all be living a bit of a lie.’ – Jonathan Green
‘Being honest about our own country is essential so that we can
properly assess both our achievements and our shortcomings, our
strengths and weaknesses. We cannot be a harmonious, confident
Australia unless we are honest with ourselves about our history.’ –
John Menadue
‘For some years now the Honest History website has been doing
historians a great service by presenting alternative views and
encouraging debate about many aspects of Australian history that
become obfuscated by myths and half-truths. The publication of The
Honest History Book is timely during both the centenary of World
War I and debates about the appropriateness of celebrating
“Australia Day”. Here is a book that should be on the reading list
in every tertiary Australian History course.’ – Bobbie Oliver
‘What really matters in Australian history? Why has Anzac wielded
such influence in our national conversation about the past? This
book puts Anzac in its place, and offers stories and analysis that
account for so much of Australian history that the “Anzac spirit”
cannot explain.’ – Christina Twomey
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