Cross-dressing colonists, effeminate bushrangers and women-shortage woes: Frank Bongiorno's highly readable social history 'The Sex Lives of Australians: A History'  has been described as a  'work of real significance that makes a fresh contribution to understanding our culture' and 'a case study of how to convey complexity and scholarly debate without sacrificing readability.'

The scholarship and impact of the work have been further recognised through its inclusion on the shortlist for the History catergory of the prestigious 2013 Prime Minister's Literary Awards.

In their sixth year,  the 2013 shortlists recognise the best in Australian fiction, poetry, non-fiction, history, young adult and children's fiction published in 2012.  The Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Arts Minister Tony Burke, in announcing the shortlists, commended the quality and diversity of entries, noting the evolving richness of Australia's literary sector.

The winners will be announced at a later date. In the meantime, the School of History is delighted to congratulate Frank on this honour.