A landmark book - the first full political history of Australia

Winner, ACT Book of the Year Award 2023
Winner, Henry Mayer Book Prize 2023

In this compelling and comprehensive work, renowned historian Frank Bongiorno presents a social and cultural history of Australia's political life, from pre-settlement Indigenous systems to the present day.

Depicting a wonderful parade of dreamers and schemers, Bongiorno surveys moments of political renewal and sheds fresh light on our democratic life. From local pubs and meeting halls to the parliament and cabinet; from pamphleteers and stump orators to party agents and operatives - this enthralling account looks at the political insiders in the halls of power, as well as the agitators and outsiders who sought to shape the nation from the margins.

A work of political history like no other, Dreamers and Schemers will transform the way you look at Australian politics.

'With acuity and grace, Bongiorno divines the soul of the nation ... All told with a cheeky eye for detail and nose for skullduggery by a historian in full archival, narrative and rhetorical flight. A landmark work' -Clare Wright

'Bongiorno is one of our premier historians and this is his masterwork. An original take on our politics and people, written with an open mind and warm Australian heart.' -George Megalogenis

'Penetrating and vividly written, this a political history that broadens our understanding of politics; one that offers genuinely fresh insights and resists tidy generalisations. From First Nations politics to the democracy sausage, Dreamers and Schemers never disappoints. It will stand as one of the most essential works in Australian history for decades to come.' -Mark McKenna

Shortlisted for the Australian History Prize in the NSW Premier's History Awards
Shortlisted, Educational Publishing Awards Australia, Scholarly Book of the Year Award 2023
Longlisted, Australian Political Book of the Year Award 2023
Highly commended, Ernest Scott Prize 2023