With a history that goes back to Plutarch, the political biography is an enduring genre and a favourite for those interested in political leadership but also as a frame to understand the history and society of a particular time. In this seminar, we look inside the art of writing these biographies from some familiar as well as more unconventional perspectives:

• Professor Chris Wallace, author of Political Lives: Australian prime ministers and their biographers
• Dr Stephen Wilks, editor of Order, Order: a biographical dictionary on Speakers, Deputy Speakers and Clerks of the House
• Associate Professor Alison Alder, on her graphical exploration of the lives of Australia’s first prime ministers
• Dr Eleanor Robin OAM, author of The Quest for Eden Monaro – the biography of an electorate

Booking
This free lecture will be held in the Parliament House Theatre, Parliament House. Senators, Members, their staff and the public are welcome to attend in person.

This lecture will also be live streamed and recorded. You can access the live stream on the day at Watch, Read, Listen. A recording of the lecture will be made available on the Parliament of Australia website.

For further information, or if you have any accessibility requirements, call or email Nicholas Cumming on 02 6277 2610

Friday 4 August, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Parliament House Theatre, Parliament House
Live Streamed