The Eleventh

by Alex Mann

How much do you really know about the 11th of November 1975?

You’ve probably heard that famous 'Well may we say' speech made by Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam on the day he was sacked by the Queen’s representative ... or seen the grainy footage from the steps of old parliament house. But do you properly understand the extraordinary events leading up to the most dramatic day in Australian political history? How did The Dismissal actually happen?

This audio series takes you inside the highest circles of power to uncover pieces of this story that have never been told before ... with lessons we should never forget. Host Alex Mann seeks out new clues and perspectives about what actually happened via first-hand accounts, many previously untold, bringing to life the scandals and subplots that changed the nation forever.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics

Audiobook

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Alex Mann is an award-winning Sydney-based journalist with the ABC's flagship investigative radio documentary program, Background Briefing. His reporting has taken him across the country from the APY Lands in northern South Australia, to Dalby in south-east Queensland.

In 2017 he was recognised as South Australia’s Journalist of the Year and won several other media awards for his reporting with ABC TV’s 7.30 program. Alex has previously reported for triple j's Hack program in Brisbane and got his first break reading sports reports in French for SBS Radio's Programme Français.

Reviews

[Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. A captivating and intriguing tale extremely well told and researched by Alex Mann and his team. Many interviews well placed throughout the series add a lot of credibility and interest to the story and provide many different views and perspectives. While the scandal and controversy cannot be ignored, one can only lament the current state of Australian politics compared to this time, especially the vision of Gough.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic podcast/audio book series that focuses on the Whitlam Dismissal. Digging up rumours of CIA interference, political scandals amongst staffers and questioning both the actions of the key players Kerr and Fraser. While not necessarily confirming any theories, it certainly sparked my interest in this is period of great political intrigue.

[Steve Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The events of 11th November 1975 will live in Australian history for time immemorial.

This audiobook is the podcast from the ABC, presented by Alex Mann, and includes interviews with many of the people affected by The Dismissal, then and now.

[Ranjana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this audiobook. Very well researched and presented. A riveting account of one of the most shameful chapters in Australian political history.

[Steven Kolber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping political thriller

[Simon Storey]

Not sure this counts as ‘reading a book’, but it was an excellent follow up after Troy Bramston’s biography.