Australia’s Governors-general (Brian Carroll, Rosenberg, $24.95 pb, ISBN 1877058211, October) ****

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I’m sure most of us have asked at some point: ‘What the hell does the governor-general do anyway?’ This book sheds some light on the history of a position whose lines of jurisdiction and areas of authority are often blurred. From Hopetoun to Jeffrey, it gives a synopsis of all 24 Australian governors-general, and the role they have played in shaping our nation. Unfortunately, most are remembered for their controversy, like the promiscuous Lord Dudley and his lady friends, and the sex abuse scandals associated with Peter Hollingworth. I don’t recall any other books on the subject. That’s why this book is so good. Its brief but worthy accounts give a perfect overview of the significance of the governors-general through our history. From Kerr’s dismal of Whitlam in 1975 to Gloucester’s appointment of Frank Forde for eight days as caretaker prime minister, it’s interesting to think that some people suggest the position has no importance. At just over 200 pages, the aim of this book is to enlighten the average reader about a little-known subject, which it does exceedingly well. Since the controversial resignation of Hollingworth, the appointment of the governor-general has been thrust back into the limelight. Does Australia really need one?

Tony O’Loughlin is a bookseller at The Avenue Bookstore, Albert Park

This review from Australian Bookseller & Publisher magazine is reproduced by kind permission of Thorpe-Bowker, a division of R R Bowker LLC. © Copyright 2004, Thorpe-Bowker