Australian Classics: The Lucky Country - Australia In The Sixties
Condition: SECONDHAND
This is a secondhand book. The jacket image is a photograph of the exact copy we have in stock. This image shows the condition of this book. Further condition remarks are below.
Condition remarks:
Book: Good
Jacket: Worn/faded, no tears
Pages: Good
Markings: No markings
Condition remarks: Only slightly faded but jacket in good condition, binding firm and pages crisp.
First published in 1964, The Lucky Country is a landmark work of Australian social and political commentary that forever changed the way Australians understood themselves and their nation. Donald Horne argues with sharp, incisive wit that Australia's prosperity has been built not on ingenuity or vision, but on luck — abundant natural resources and fortunate historical timing — while its leadership class remains mediocre and its culture intellectually complacent. Written in a tone that is both satirical and deeply serious, the work dissects Australian society across its political institutions, business culture, and national identity with unflinching clarity. Horne illustrates how a nation can thrive materially while remaining intellectually and creatively stunted, a paradox that struck a nerve with readers across the political spectrum. Widely misquoted and misunderstood — the phrase lucky country is often used as a compliment, when Horne intended it as a critique — this seminal text remains as provocative and relevant today as when it first appeared, cementing its place as one of the most important books ever written about Australia.
Author: Donald Horne
Format: Hardback
Published: 1978, Angus & Robertson Publishers
Condition remarks:
Book: Good
Jacket: Worn/faded, no tears
Pages: Good
Markings: No markings
Condition remarks: Only slightly faded but jacket in good condition, binding firm and pages crisp.
First published in 1964, The Lucky Country is a landmark work of Australian social and political commentary that forever changed the way Australians understood themselves and their nation. Donald Horne argues with sharp, incisive wit that Australia's prosperity has been built not on ingenuity or vision, but on luck — abundant natural resources and fortunate historical timing — while its leadership class remains mediocre and its culture intellectually complacent. Written in a tone that is both satirical and deeply serious, the work dissects Australian society across its political institutions, business culture, and national identity with unflinching clarity. Horne illustrates how a nation can thrive materially while remaining intellectually and creatively stunted, a paradox that struck a nerve with readers across the political spectrum. Widely misquoted and misunderstood — the phrase lucky country is often used as a compliment, when Horne intended it as a critique — this seminal text remains as provocative and relevant today as when it first appeared, cementing its place as one of the most important books ever written about Australia.