JOHN HOWARD FROM THE PAVILION
Shaping the Ascent to Power
Edited by Andrew Blyth
Foreword by Paul Kelly
Paperback, 192 pages, $29.95
ISBN 9781922815392
May 2023 Release
This book is a reproduction of John Howard’s weekly columns published
in the national broadsheet, The Australian in 1989. His articles are a
time capsule of evolving national and world events as the sun set on the
1980s. Presenting readers with a variety of topical issues, Howard’s
columns are laced with political insights and anecdotes revealing his
craft for engaging commentary. Offering readers a window into his
beliefs and drive for political reform, Howard delves into economic
uncertainty caused by high interest rates, increasing national debt, and
rising unemployment as well as assessments on unfolding events in
Eastern Europe, apartheid in South Africa, unrest in China, and the rise
of Japan. We are also reminded of his passion for sport, namely cricket
and his admiration for Australian Test Cricket captain, Allan Border.
Howard moves seamlessly across economic, political and social affairs
with enthusiasm and composure offering policy prescriptions that he as
‘Lazarus with a triple bypass’ would later adopt in shaping the ascent
to power on 2 March 1996.
John Howard’s wilderness years are a study in resilience,
determination and ambition. This book is a fascinating time-tunnel into
the past as a once and future leader articulates the ideas, values and
policies that were to be the foundation of his Lazarus-like return and
becoming Australia’s second-longest serving Prime Minister. –Troy Bramston
Naturally, I have re-read all the pieces I composed more than 30 years ago. There is not much I would like to take back.
–John Howard
The country had lost a columnist; it would gain a prime minister.
–Paul Kelly
My father ever after would marvel at what a good and clear writer he
was, the ultimate compliment from one journalist to another... –Miranda Devine
Andrew Blyth was manager of the John Howard Prime Ministerial Library
and Exhibition located at Old Parliament House, 2016-2023. He lectures
in ideals and power to cadets and midshipmen at UNSW Canberra at the
Australian Defence Force Academy and is undertaking a doctorate in
public leadership at UNSW Canberra.
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