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Australia: A History: by the former Prime Minister Tony Abbott with a foreword by Geoffrey Blainey: From convict colony to great democracy Kindle Edition
by Tony Abbott (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (317)
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How an ancient land became a great democracy. Longlisted for Best Non Fiction in the Indie Book Awards 2026 'Tony Abbott should be congratulated ... This history of Australia is vivid, readable, provocative' Geoffrey Blainey, historian 'I think it's very good' Tom Holland, historian Australia is one of the world's great success stories: a land long hidden from outsiders, chosen as a convict dumping ground, where - since 1788 - people from many backgrounds have built one of the freest, fairest and most prosperous countries on earth. By the standards of a harsher time, the early governors tried to respect the original inhabitants and to encourage the convict outcasts of the British Isles to make a new start to a better life. This Indigenous heritage, British foundation and immigrant character have shaped the land of the 'fair go' especially for those willing to 'have a go'. It's not perfect, even now, yet mostly we have a history to be proud of. Within a century of settlement, Australia had not only the world's highest standard of living but had become a global pioneer for democratic freedoms such as the secret ballot, the payment of MPs and voting rights for women. A country largely created by settlement and negotiation has evolved from 'White Australia' at the time of federation into one of the world's most colour-blind societies and has managed the transition from an old 'Anglo' identity to a civic patriotism based on an overriding commitment to Australia and its values. This book is intended to give anyone interested - as every Australian should be - an account of our past that's positive, while not oblivious to our mistakes and imperfections as a nation. If to be an Australian is still to have won the lottery of life, the history that's produced us is surely something to savour. Now a major TV documentary available to stream at Sky News Australia. PRAISE 'Tony Abbott's book is inspired by love of country, yet he comes to grip with our flaws. This is a fresh, powerful, highly readable single-volume history of Australia that deserves a wide audience' Paul Kelly, editor-at-large, The Australian 'Scholarly researched, scrupulously fair-minded and very engagingly written, this is big narrative history at its best. It explains why Australia is such a wonderfully unique place, and why history is all the better when written by those who themselves helped make it' - Andrew Roberts, author, Churchill: Walking with Destiny 'Not quite the "white armband" version of history I was expecting in the first half, nor a "Liberal Party highlights package" in the second half. I enjoyed reading it' - Peter FitzSimons, author, Kokoda This is an immensely readable account of how - as I frequently call it - the "Australian Achievement" has been built' - Hon John Howard OM AC, former prime minister of Australia 'Tony Abbott's latest book is a powerful antidote to the poison of little and bad history ... we have much to be thankful for and to build on' Hon John Anderson AC, former deputy prime minister of Australia and leader of the National Party 'The former prime minister has done a good job with Australia: A History' Frank Bongiorno, historian 'if you have a serious interest in Australian history, the book will go on your shelves' Hon Kim Beazley AC, former deputy prime minister of Australia 'Tony Abbott has written with reverence and richness, bringing our nation's past, although both painful and proud, to life with striking clarity' Nova Peris OAM OLY, first Aboriginal-Australian Olympic gold medallist and former Labor senator 'This book is a compelling reminder of our inheritance, which gives us a reason to be proud of who we are and the country we've become' - Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, federal senator for Northern Territory 'Tony Abbott brings history to life in a way that is both enlightening and deeply engaging' Brett Lee, former Australian international cricketer 'This book helps us rediscover our past with honesty and respect, so we can...
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Australia, New Zealand & Oceania literature
Print length
448 pages
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About the Author
Tony Abbott served as Australia's 28th prime minister and was the member for Warringah in the Australian parliament between 1994 and 2019. As the local MP, he was instrumental in the creation of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust to preserve the natural and built heritage of his electorate and elsewhere.
He is a Rhodes Scholar and the author of three other books: The Minimal Monarchy, How to Win the Constitutional War and Battlelines. From 1998 to 2018, he convened the Pollie Pedal annual charity bike ride, which has supported organisations including Soldier On, Carers Australia and Wandering Warriors. He surfs near Queenscliff and volunteers with the Davidson Rural Fire Brigade.
He is married to Margaret, and they have three daughters: Louise, Frances and Bridget.
Product details
ASIN : B0F393W9TH
Publisher : HarperCollins
Accessibility : Learn more
Publication date : 13 October 2025
Language : English
File size : 33.1 MB
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 448 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-1460718995
Page Flip : Enabled
Genre : Australia, New Zealand & Oceania literature
Best Sellers Rank: 1,849 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)1 in Australian & Oceanian Politics
1 in History of Australia
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From Australia
Skitragic
5.0 out of 5 stars Australia - A country with enormous potential.
Reviewed in Australia on 14 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I have just finished reading this extensive history of Australia. I had already read 'The Fatal Shore' by Robert Hughes which covered convict transportation to Australia 1787-1868. This book also covered a lot on the interation that occurred between white settlers and aboriginals.
I believe I was better equipped to appreciate Tony Abbott's book because I had read The Fatal Shore and beause it is focused on a period before that covered by 'Australia - A History'.
Australia - A History is written in time sequence and based around the political development of the country and key individuals who laid the foundations for the country that Australia is today. Those people were amazing and they were highly patriotic.
As at today, April 2026, Australia is facing difficult times because, as a forth generation Australian, I can say we have lost our way. Perhaps this is necessary for us to come to realise who we really are and what we want? It's been bought about by the election in 2022, of a hard left socialist union controlled federal government that is restricting progress through implementation of highly damaging climate change policies and a gradual reduction in business support, byway of excessive regulation, which is crippling development investment in the country.
Tony Abbott has been completely honest in his appraisal of Australia. This book could not have been written by any politician on the left of Australian politics, because they struggle with telling the truth.
I recommend it highly to those interested in the devolpment of Australia.
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Craig Lynch
4.0 out of 5 stars Worth a read by anyone who is lucky to live in Australia
Reviewed in Australia on 1 January 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
An entirely readable account of Australian history. In one volume. I think Tony Abbott has brought to life the foundations on which we, not only see ourselves, but see our place in the world. It is a open view. To my mind unbiased, honest and at times a little uncomfortable. It is true that one would not put it in the same class as Manning Clark's multi-volume work. His is an academic work for those seeking other things. But if you want a one volume grab of Australian History that is concise and accessible I think you could go no further. Like me, it will reaffirm what you know and expose what you thought you knew.
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David Maywald
5.0 out of 5 stars Stands as an ambitious and thoughtful contribution to the nation’s historical literature...
Reviewed in Australia on 23 March 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Book review of Australia: A History by Tony Abbott
Australia: A History is clearly a labour of love. Written by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, this ambitious work reflects decades of reading, reflection, and conviction about the story of our nation. It's a passion project on a monumental scale; one driven by deeply held beliefs about Australia, its institutions, and the character of its people...
The book has attracted praise from across the political and social spectrum, with many commentators recognising the sheer scope of the undertaking. Whether readers agree with every interpretation or not, few can deny the seriousness of the effort and the author’s commitment to telling Australia’s story.
Abbott’s account consciously differs from much of the academic orthodoxy that has dominated historical writing in recent decades. Rather than viewing Australia primarily through a lens of grievance or decline, he seeks to balance honesty about past failures with recognition of national achievements: building democratic institutions, expanding opportunity, and forging a distinctive civic culture...
In doing so, Australia: A History contributes something valuable to the national conversation. It invites Australians to grapple with the past in a way that's candid yet constructive, capable of uniting rather than dividing. By reconnecting readers with the long arc of the Australian story, the book encourages a sense of continuity, gratitude, and confidence as we move forward together.
The sweep of Australia: A History traces the long arc of the nation’s development: from Indigenous Australia and early European exploration, through the challenges of settlement and federation, to the building of democratic institutions, national character, and Australia’s place in the modern world. Tony Abbott presents the story as one of struggle, achievement, and evolving identity, highlighting the people, ideas, and institutions that shaped the country we know today.
This book will benefit readers who want an accessible, narrative-driven account of Australian history outside the confines of academic debate. Students, civic leaders, teachers, and ordinary Australians with an interest in their country’s past will find it particularly rewarding, especially those seeking a broad national story that connects political, cultural, and social developments.
Overall, Australia: A History stands as an ambitious and thoughtful contribution to the nation’s historical literature. It reflects a clear viewpoint, but it is also generous in spirit; aiming to encourage reflection, appreciation, and confidence in Australia’s journey. As a work of synthesis and conviction, it adds meaningfully to how Australians understand their past and imagine their shared future...
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Robert McIntyre
5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth the read
Reviewed in Australia on 23 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
An excellent commentary of Australian History since the arrival of the First Fleet.
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Darryl Greer
5.0 out of 5 stars A BALANCED VIEW OF AUSTRALIAN HISTORY
Reviewed in Australia on 12 January 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Australia: A History is a concise, one-volume, hard-covered book which charts the history of Australia, from 50,000 years ago when it was discovered by our Indigenous people, to the time of the First Fleet and on to more recent times. Its author, Tony Abbott is a former prime minister of Australia as well as a former journalist so you would expect the writing to be sharp, the narrative informative, which it is. There is a foreword by historian Geoffrey Blainey in which he describes the book as vivid, readable and provocative. More importantly, the book provides a balanced view of Australian history, not the one-sided, skewered view we often hear from our academics and teachers. Despite his conservative background, there are positive reviews from all sides of Australian politics. This book should be compulsory reading for all students of Australian history and recommended reading for those who want to cut through the misinformation so common in today’s academia and media.
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bert schmidt
4.0 out of 5 stars Mandatory reading
Reviewed in Australia on 4 May 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Well written and balanced commentary, great starting point for discussion on Australia, and without a lot of perceived bias. Great addition to our historic record
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Caramel
3.0 out of 5 stars Great read but not all of the chapters were printed
Reviewed in Australia on 7 January 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Unfortunately the book has been misprinted.
It was perfect up to page 246 then there is series of pictures then pages 199 to 246 was repeated and pages 247 to 294 missing. So just over 3 chapters are missing. Very disappointing.
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Heather Ogilvie
5.0 out of 5 stars A well written, balanced account of our nation.
Reviewed in Australia on 1 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
A balanced and well written story of Australia. Not a black arm band history but one which acknowledges its extraordinary achievements from penal colony to a thriving, cohesive nation. It does not whitewash incidents of cruelty to our indigenous people but makes it clear that these were not systemic. The style is very engaging and I would recommend every school student and parent to read it. As Australians, we should be very proud of our story and what our nation has achieved in its short history.
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Joy
5.0 out of 5 stars Great History
Reviewed in Australia on 13 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Fantastic book goes through the history of Australia and changes in policies, leaders, public views and insights into some of Australia’s leaders. If you like politics or want to know more about the history of Australia have a read
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Undeniably impressive
Reviewed in Australia on 17 November 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Abbott is very broad and generous in his use of the historical literature he must draw on in this project, citing widely and fairly from scholars of many different perspectives and backgrounds, whether in the ideological current in which he was perceived to be swimming during his political days or from very different streams. The moderation, liberality, and modernity which Abbott seeks to reveal in the Australian story should also make us aware of how misleading the old hostile caricatures of him as the "mad monk" or whatever of the Australian political scene. To spell that out: absolutely no Jesuit ideologue would use the words "modern" and "liberal" as the words of praise they are for Abbott. He did join the Liberal Party and his book presents Australia as firmly within an evolving liberal tradition, one which Abbott thinks worth the effort of recounting, preserving, and upholding into the future. What was particularly fascinating for me is that by the time his own political career arrives in the text, he has provided the deepest possible context for understanding his actions and achievements (which were quite significant given the short span of his premiership: Sydney waited how many decades for that second airport decision? ... Labour maintains his border policy at the time of writing... etc) - so this book is also a political autobiography, but a very humble and deeply situated one.
6 people found this helpful
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Roger Mendelson
5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ
Reviewed in Australia on 24 February 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I am well versed in Australian history but I have learnt so much from this book.
It is not right- wing propaganda but a real insight into how we have become what we are.
Easy to read but one needs to read it slowly, to take it in and think about it.
Abbot really ‘ gets ‘ Australia, so the book is very positive.
Roger Mendelson. Melbourne.
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Mark Khangure
5.0 out of 5 stars Australia Defined, wartts and all.
Reviewed in Australia on 13 March 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
A must read for anyone who wants to know how we have arrived where we are. An excellent read, easy to digest and very informative.
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Bernard O'Brien
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply a great book about our early history by a great Australian. Buy it.
Reviewed in Australia on 29 October 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Thank you Tony Abbott for your marvellous book on Australia's History. I am addicted to our country's early history and your book will be a fine addition to my large collection. I was pleased to see in very early pages (chapter 2) mention of a distant relative of mine; Robert Lock who married Maria, the daughter of Yarramundi. In fact Maria's marriage to Robert was the first officially sanctioned marriage in the colony between an Aboriginal and a non-aboriginal. Robert was transported here with his father Jonathan for the crime of 'pig stealing', arriving here in 1821 aboard the vessel Granada. Robert was one of 12 children of Jonathan and his wife Sarah who was left to fend for herself and her children when her husband and one of her sons was transported to Australia. Another of Jonathan and Sarah's children was John who was also transported to Australia for horse theft arriving in 1826. Jonathan and John are direct ancestors of mine. In fact, I have 7 transported convicts in my direct ancestry and proud of it. Thank you again for the great book Mr Abbott.
6 people found this helpful
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NC
5.0 out of 5 stars A balanced history
Reviewed in Australia on 26 February 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This is a great read, with a balanced view of Australia’s political history. Sure, not everything was perfect, but compared to almost anywhere else Australia has been much better off than anywhere else. It leaves me optimistic about the future.
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Frank
5.0 out of 5 stars A positive look at our history
Reviewed in Australia on 19 February 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Well written. Well referenced. Very down to earth writing style. Great to see a positive review of Australian history but still " warts and all" coverage of the most important events.
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Joanna Lindsay
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice
Reviewed in Australia on 28 February 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Nice book not very big.
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Andy
4.0 out of 5 stars A balanced History of Australia
Reviewed in Australia on 27 November 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
A decent read although the political coverage was a bit of a drag. Balanced view of Australian History from the time the west reached these shores. Does a good job of covering the Indigenous people and their existence after the British settlement.
4 people found this helpful
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CP
4.0 out of 5 stars Australia: A history: by the former Prime Minister Tony Abbott
Reviewed in Australia on 22 November 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Arrived on time and as described, although I was a bit disappointed as the cover got damaged during transportation. Book moved around in the box with no padding to hold it in place.
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RLS
5.0 out of 5 stars Well researched, honest, a must read
Reviewed in Australia on 2 February 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Excellent. A must read for all true Australians. Hopefully will help correct the untruths about our past. I loved the comment that immigrants must not see us as Hotel Australia.
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Bruce Hall
3.0 out of 5 stars Good but defective
Reviewed in Australia on 31 December 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Dear Sir/Madam
I bought a copy of Tony Abbott’s book Australia A History in 23 October 2025. And I like the book and have recommended it to others.
However pp 199-246 are repeated and pp 247-294 are missing.
I would appreciate another copy with the correctly printed pages.
Sincerely
Bruce Hall
3 people found this helpful
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Ryan
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in Australia on 29 January 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
So good. Nice to get an honest reflection of the past, warts and all.
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Ian Norris
5.0 out of 5 stars Prime Minister's Outlook.
Reviewed in Australia on 7 February 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Great read, from a severely misjudged former PM.
One person found this helpful
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Dennis O'Brien
5.0 out of 5 stars Should be mandatory study material in all Australian schools - its that good !
Reviewed in Australia on 28 November 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This book should be mandatory study for every Australian student doing secondary school.
The author had so much to cram in that at times, it was simply fact after fact with no trivial stories that I read in the historian Professor Blamey's much more extensive account on the same subject.
But it's all true with no apparent bias.
Worthwhile valuable reading and knowledge.
4 people found this helpful
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Ron
5.0 out of 5 stars Compulsory Australian reading
Reviewed in Australia on 30 January 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This is a great Australian book every Australian should read.
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csb
5.0 out of 5 stars Read it regardless of who you vote for
Reviewed in Australia on 28 December 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Excellent, well researched overview of Australia’s history (as expected from a Rhodes scholar). Refreshing reminder of what a great nation we’ve become, how grateful we should be, and how our future can still be bright
One person found this helpful
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Callapeerney
4.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in Australia on 5 November 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Interesting slant on Australian history.
2 people found this helpful
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Dianne Baker
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful journey through time since our settlement.
Reviewed in Australia on 23 January 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Brilliant, every Australian’s must read.
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Robert Kellett
5.0 out of 5 stars Australia … A History lesson
Reviewed in Australia on 21 December 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I really enjoyed this read …. Refreshing my memory of Australian history …. Recommend it to all Australian to read …
One person found this helpful
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Glenda Russell
5.0 out of 5 stars Australian History Tony Abbott
Reviewed in Australia on 22 January 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Great reading
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Peter Scope
5.0 out of 5 stars Very well written and answers a lot of misinformation about our history.
Reviewed in Australia on 29 November 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
What a great read. I was very impressed with Tony Abbot's research and its apolitical nature. I hope it answers a lot of misinformation about Australia's history. This should be part of the education system.
7 people found this helpful
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Bron R.
5.0 out of 5 stars A good read
Reviewed in Australia on 7 January 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
My husband said it was excellent.
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Jim Clarence
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in Australia on 16 January 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Good
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Bonza
5.0 out of 5 stars Factual reasoning!
Reviewed in Australia on 12 January 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
As advertised. Good concise read.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in Australia on 18 December 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Well-written book with a good look at all sides of our history, good and bad.
3 people found this helpful
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Anthony
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in Australia on 29 December 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Great book
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Narelle Auld
5.0 out of 5 stars Recommend.
Reviewed in Australia on 18 November 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Beautifully presented book by someone with the historical knowledge, love and appreciation of the democracy of Australia. Recommend.
One person found this helpful
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Andrew Dronia
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written History of Australia
Reviewed in Australia on 9 December 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Well written book for all members of society
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M
5.0 out of 5 stars Australian History
Reviewed in Australia on 9 November 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Husband is currently reading it. Excellent writing by a Rhodes Scholar.
2 people found this helpful
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colin b.
5.0 out of 5 stars The truth told as it happened.
Reviewed in Australia on 5 November 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
A must read
4 people found this helpful
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John C
5.0 out of 5 stars Put in all Schools
Reviewed in Australia on 19 October 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Brillant book should be in all Australian schools.
7 people found this helpful
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JaseHun
4.0 out of 5 stars A Powerful History — Until the Present Crept In
Reviewed in Australia on 22 January 2026
Format: Kindle
I liked it, frustrated that I wasn't taught a lot of this is school - and that kids now days are being taught mis-information about our history. It's a pity he didn't stop the book at his election - as that changed the whole vibe of the book, and detracted from the whole book up to that point. Went from a good history book to commentary on current events.
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JPak
5.0 out of 5 stars A great history of a great country
Reviewed in Australia on 17 October 2025
Format: Hardcover
Thoughtful, thorough and fair, and a great read. Don’t let prejudice against the author put you off.
17 people found this helpful
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SLM2
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good read about Australia as a nation.
Reviewed in Australia on 14 October 2025
Format: Hardcover
Very good read about our mistakes and imperfections as a nation
22 people found this helpful
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Elliott Macleod
5.0 out of 5 stars Should be mandatory reading in all schools
Reviewed in Australia on 22 October 2025
Format: Hardcover
Such a vivid and enlightening account of Australia’s history and key figures. I felt embarrassed after reading, on how little detail I actually knew of the shaping of Australia. The standout attribute of this book however is its honesty and impartiality. Importantly plenty of the ugly stories of our history are shared in detail, but equally the great people and stories of our past are not forgotten, and a comprehensive picture is painted of how we became the unique nation we are today. Also includes plenty of lessons that perhaps we need to remember once more.
10 people found this helpful
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James Harrison
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding.
Reviewed in Australia on 1 February 2026
Format: Hardcover
An honest, balanced and the enjoyable read of our wonderful country, that we should appreciate much more than we do.
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Sharon
1.0 out of 5 stars Don’t waste your money.
Reviewed in Australia on 10 November 2025
Format: Hardcover
This book should be titled, ‘Australian History Whitewashed’
It is utter drivel written by a man who is a legend in his own mind living in another era in his head.
I’ll sum it up: Aborigines were not here. White Australia policy was good. Liberal good. Labor bad. There’s really not that much poverty. Catholic ideas of family are best. I’m your role model.
Complete and utter drivel.
18 people found this helpful
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Michael Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars Balanced and Fair
Reviewed in Australia on 21 October 2025
Format: Hardcover
A very balanced book about the complex history of Australia and one of the best histories of our country I have read. I will be purchasing Christmas gift copies for both my adult sons
7 people found this helpful
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Avid reader
5.0 out of 5 stars A history book that moves at pace.
Reviewed in Australia on 23 October 2025
Format: Hardcover
A well written and easy to read book by a notable Australian leader. Abbotts book moves at pace and doesn’t get bogged down. It deserves to be read in schools because it is a serious attempt at a comprehensive Australian story. It is to his credit that he is using his time after office to give back to our country.
4 people found this helpful
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Deivido
2.0 out of 5 stars Tony Abbott’s Australia: Now With 60% Less Context!!
Reviewed in Australia on 28 December 2025
Format: Kindle
This book is what happens when a former prime minister decides the nation’s past needs “tidying up” and approaches it like a shed full of dangerous ideas. Anything sharp, messy or inconvenient gets quietly put in a box labelled too political.
Abbott’s Australia is a place where the British arrive with excellent manners, history proceeds in a straight line, and nothing truly bad ever happens unless someone starts protesting. Colonialism is treated like a slightly awkward housewarming party that got out of hand, while Indigenous Australians appear briefly to observe the excellence of institutions they were never invited to design.
Every page radiates the calm confidence of a man who believes history peaked somewhere between the Magna Carta and his own childhood. Change is acceptable, but only when it arrives slowly, asks permission, and promises not to make anyone uncomfortable. Anyone who rocked the boat is portrayed as either naïve, ungrateful, or secretly left wing, which in this universe is the same thing.
The writing is firm, sincere and completely humourless, which somehow makes it funnier. Abbott doesn’t argue with historians, he simply proceeds as if they are standing slightly behind him, nodding. Structural inequality, frontier violence, labour movements and feminism make cameo appearances, like guests at a party who clearly weren’t meant to stay long.
By the end, you realise you haven’t read a history so much as sat through a very long values lecture delivered by a man who still thinks the national anthem should double as a dress code. Australia, according to this book, works best when everyone is quiet, grateful, stoic, and preferably wearing a tie.
In summary, it’s not a history of Australia. It’s a bedtime story for conservatives, designed to help them sleep peacefully through the parts of the past that might otherwise keep them awake.
7 people found this helpful
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Mark Penrose
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you Mr Abbott
Reviewed in Australia on 15 November 2025
Format: Hardcover
A much needed middle finger to all the flag burners and Australia bashers, as Abbott details the white history that forged the greatest nation on Earth. If only the haters would read this book then they might realise that despite our past mistakes we should be proud as a nation of what we’ve become. Peace and love to anyone reading this.
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Amazon Customer
2.0 out of 5 stars denial of actual history for the Queen, or something
Reviewed in Australia on 14 October 2025
Format: Hardcover
Don't waste your time, more inane whitewashing from mr denial of everything, yawnfest. (Won't let me give -stars?)
24 people found this helpful
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KHAOS
5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING READ ABOUT THE BEST COUNTRY
Reviewed in Australia on 15 October 2025
Format: Hardcover
A superb read which details Australia's amazing history. Really enjoyed this one.
5 people found this helpful
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Allison
1.0 out of 5 stars Raw onion eater
Reviewed in Australia on 23 October 2025
Format: Hardcover
The best part was when Tony ate a raw onion, skin and all- TWICE! I'm sure his book is good, Julia Gillard would have made a wonderful editor.
7 people found this helpful
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Anna H
3.0 out of 5 stars A structured retelling of Australian history that leaves little room for complexity
Reviewed in Australia on 19 November 2025
Format: Hardcover
Australia: A History: How an Ancient Land Became a Great Democracy (2025) is Tony Abbott’s competent, albeit superficial, history of Australia.
Abbott begins his history 50,000 years ago, “when the first discoverers and pioneers… walked and paddled from the ancient Asian landmass”. He ends in the middle of 2025, when he sees that Australia “remains relatively prosperous and untroubled.”
The book is a race through all the expected beats of Australian history: Aboriginal prehistory, discovery by Europeans, discovery by the British, settlement, the Rum Rebellion, Macquarie, the gold rush, federation, World War I, the Depression, World War II, Menzies, and the Dismissal. Unusually, it also covers over a thousand years of British history in the Introduction. That’s a lot of material to cover in a limited space, and the depth of Abbott’s analysis suffers for it.
Abbott’s self-proclaimed reason for writing the book is to fill a void. “This is the book that should never have been needed,” Abbott states in his Author’s Note, implying that no other book like it exists. 448 pages later, it’s unclear what need he feels he has met. Certainly, there are many other short histories of Australia—Clark, Blainey, McIntyre, Keneally, to name a few. These writers span a wide range of perspectives, and they contain within them the added benefit of historical depth. Moreover, Abbott himself has completed little archival research and hasn’t added anything new to our store of knowledge. Instead, he has composited his history from other people’s histories.
Which leads to the question: If this book isn’t a new history of Australia, then what is it?
Abbott’s book is a long-form argument that uses moments in history to show that the modern nation of Australia is heir to the political and social philosophies of 18th-century Britain. (This is the reason the history begins first with the history of Britain.) Australia—so the argument goes—offered the opportunity of a new society. Unencumbered by class hierarchy, we were able to adopt the tenets of classical liberalism and do more with them than any other country has been able to do.
To the extent that Abbott uses the chronology of Australian history to further his argument, he has been successful.
However, Abbott also uses the book’s brevity to sidestep the parts of Australian history that complicate his thesis. For example, convicts—from Abbott’s perspective—are mostly happy to be living in Australia; and so he ignores the near starvation of the first four years of settlement and glosses over the horror of the Second Fleet’s voyage. Social history doesn’t meet his needs, and so there are very few accounts of the ordinary lives of Australians. Unhappiness with authority also doesn’t serve his purpose, and so bushrangers hardly appear at all, and there is no mention of Ned Kelly.
Towards the end of his book, Abbott gets the opportunity to insert himself into history. This is the part that many readers will enjoy. Abbott seems to relish the opportunity to offer his opinion on his fellow politicians, which he does without fear or favour. In his foreword to the book, Geoffrey Blainey expresses surprise “to find some political opponents [of Abbott’s] at times patted on the head rather than punched on the nose.” I’m not sure why anyone would be surprised. It has been evident for decades that Abbott’s main political enemies are within the Liberal Party itself. Nevertheless, it’s interesting to see which colleagues Abbott liked and which he didn’t. He also offers his pick of the best Prime Minister in history. I offer no spoilers, just two hints: His #1 is at the top of no other historian’s list; and it isn’t himself. There are no prizes if you guess correctly.
In conclusion, if you’re genuinely interested in Australian history, this is not the book for you. However, if you’re interested in gaining an insight into the workings of Tony Abbott’s mind, then it’s perfect.
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Discerning Bookworm
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read.
Reviewed in Australia on 29 December 2025
Format: Hardcover
A well balanced and informative history of Australia. It should be in all of our school library's, but sadly our left leaning educators would rather indoctrinate our nations young with that ridiculous piece of nonsense , Dark Emu.
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johnverp
4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good
Reviewed in the United States on 6 December 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This is a well-written and well-researched account. Not self-serving, as I half expected, and pretty fair throughout. Didn't agree with everything, but he wasn't 'in your face' with his views. He distilled 250-odd years very well. (The book's length looked intimidating at first, but the last third is references, credits and photos.)
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Anna H
3.0 out of 5 stars A structured retelling of Australian history that leaves little room for complexity.
Reviewed in the United States on 18 November 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Australia: A History: How an Ancient Land Became a Great Democracy (2025) is Tony Abbott’s competent, albeit superficial, history of Australia.
Abbott begins his history 50,000 years ago, “when the first discoverers and pioneers… walked and paddled from the ancient Asian landmass”. He ends in the middle of 2025, when he sees that Australia “remains relatively prosperous and untroubled.”
The book is a race through all the expected beats of Australian history: Aboriginal prehistory, discovery by Europeans, discovery by the British, settlement, the Rum Rebellion, Macquarie, the gold rush, federation, World War I, the Depression, World War II, Menzies, and the Dismissal. Unusually, it also covers 1,700 years of British history in the Introduction. That’s a lot of material to cover in a limited space, and the depth of Abbott’s analysis suffers for it.
Abbott’s self-proclaimed reason for writing the book is to fill a void. “This is the book that should never have been needed,” Abbott states in his Author’s Note, implying that no other book like it exists. 448 pages later, it’s unclear what need he feels he has met. Certainly, there are many other short histories of Australia—Clark, Blainey, McIntyre, Keneally, to name a few. These writers span a wide range of perspectives, and they contain within them the added benefit of historical depth. Moreover, Abbott himself has completed little archival research and hasn’t added anything new to our store of knowledge. Instead, he has composited his history from other people’s histories.
Which leads to the question: If this book isn’t a new history of Australia, then what is it?
Abbott’s book is a long-form argument that uses moments in history to show that the modern nation of Australia is heir to the political and social philosophies of 18th-century Britain. (This is the reason the history begins first with the history of Britain.) Australia—so the argument goes—offered the opportunity of a new society. Unencumbered by class hierarchy, we were able to adopt the tenets of classical liberalism and do more with them than any other country has been able to do.
To the extent that Abbott uses the chronology of Australian history to further his argument, he has been successful.
However, Abbott also uses the book’s brevity to sidestep the parts of Australian history that complicate his thesis. For example, convicts—from Abbott’s perspective—are mostly happy to be living in Australia; and so he ignores the near starvation of the first four years of settlement and glosses over the horror of the Second Fleet’s voyage. Social history doesn’t meet his needs, and so there are very few accounts of the ordinary lives of Australians. Unhappiness with authority also doesn’t serve his purpose, and so bushrangers hardly appear at all, and there is no mention of Ned Kelly.
Towards the end of his book, Abbott gets the opportunity to insert himself into history. This is the part that many readers will enjoy. Abbott seems to relish the opportunity to offer his opinion on his fellow politicians, which he does without fear or favour. In his foreword to the book, Geoffrey Blainey expresses surprise “to find some political opponents [of Abbott’s] at times patted on the head rather than punched on the nose.” I’m not sure why anyone would be surprised. It has been evident for decades that Abbott’s main enemies are within the Liberal Party itself. Nevertheless, it’s interesting to see which colleagues Abbott liked and which he didn’t. He also offers his pick of the best Prime Minister in history. I offer no spoilers, just two hints: His #1 is at the top of no other historian’s list; and it isn’t himself. There are no prizes if you guess correctly.
In conclusion, if you’re genuinely interested in Australian history, this is not the book for you. However, if you’re interested in gaining an insight into the workings of Tony Abbott’s mind, then it’s perfect.
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