The private papers of Australia’s second prime minister reveal a solitary, religious character who found distasteful much of the business of politics, with its unabashed self-interest, double-dealing and mediocre intellectual levels. And yet politics is where Deakin chose to do his life’s work.

In The Enigmatic Mr Deakin, acclaimed political scientist Judith Brett scrutinises both Deakin’s public and inner life, creating an insightful and accessible new biography which shines fresh light on one of the nation’s most significant figures.

Hear Judith in conversation with author and historian Frank Bongiorno (School of History, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences), as they explore the life and image of this worthy, bearded father of federation, whose contributions continue to shape the contours of Australian politics.

Tickets: $12 (includes a glass of house wine or soft drink). Bookings can been made at the following address: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=308036

Judith Brett is the award-winning author of Robert Menzies’ Forgotten People, emeritus professor of politics at La Trobe University and one of Australia’s leading political thinkers. She contributes regularly to the Monthly and has written three Quarterly Essays.

Frank Bongiorno is professor of history at the Australian National University and author of the award-winning The Sex Lives of Australians. He has written for the Monthly, The Australian and Inside Story.