Lionel Murphy: A Political Biography

by Jenny Hocking

More than ten years after his death, Lionel Murphy remains one of Australia's most controversial public figures. Only now is the extent of his legacy—legal, social and political—beginning to be recognised. This engrossing book is the first biography of this extraordinary man.

Writing with flair and insight, Jenny Hocking traces Murphy's life from childhood to his role in the Labor split of the 1950s, his pioneering work as a senator and reformist Attorney-General in the Whitlam government, to his rise to the bench of the High Court, through to his untimely death, amidst controversy, in 1986. His life is the story of a passionate reformer who was steadfastly committed to the institutions of the law and the parliament, and a constant champion of democratic values. It is also the story of a turbulent period of legal and social change in Australia.

Drawing on numerous personal interviews as well as access to previously unseen archival material, this biography paints a vivid portrait of an individual who has left an indelible mark on Australian politics, law and culture.

Genres: Biography, Law, Politics

359 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Jenny Hocking FASSA is emeritus professor at Monash University and the inaugural distinguished Whitlam fellow with the Whitlam Institute at Western Sydney University. She is the author of three biographies, including the award-winning two-volume biography of Gough Whitlam, Gough Whitlam: A Moment in History (MUP, 2008) and Gough Whitlam: His Time (MUP, 2012). Her latest book is The Dismissal Dossier: The Palace Connection (MUP, 2017).

Reviews

[Glenn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the definitive work on The Dismissal, and product of some outstanding historical research from our finest historian. Ms Hocking unpicks all the myths and shibboleths that have been constructed around the coup d'état that was November 1975, to reveal what was suspected all along: that Kerr colluded with others, including Anthony Mason, Malcolm Fraser and the Palace. The third addition is compelling as it reveals what was happening in the UK. When Professor Hocking wins her court case to access Kerr's correspondence with the Palace, we will hopefully see a fourth and equally compelling edition.

[Greg Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

well-researched biography on a selfless Australian who served his nation with distinction; topic worthy of discussion; recommend Australians read this biography of one who help shape the nation