George Orwell

Don Watson

Animal Farm

Since its publication in March 2002, RECOLLECTIONS OF A BLEEDING HEART has sold over 50,000 copies and won a string of prestigious awards including The Age Book of the Year and Best Non-fiction book, The Courier-Mail Book of the Year and the National Biography Award. Political commentator -aand himself a Keating biographer -aMichael Gordon calls the book 'a masterpiece...simply the best inside account of life, politics and combat inside the highest office of the land ever written.' Don Watson was employed as Keating's speechwriter in 1992, less than a month after Keating took the country's top job. Though trained in history rather than economics and generally regarded as a 'bleeding heart liberal', Watson became a close advisor and friend to the Prime Minister. Based on notes Watson kept during the four turbulent and exhausting years he spent working in the Prime Minister's Office, RECOLLECTIONS OF A BLEEDING HEART is a political memoir told from the inside; Keating himself says it is 'like the black box recorder in a plane'. The book is a unique reflection on modern Australian politics, but Watson offers much more than political analysis. With empathy and insight, he provides a startlingly frank and revealing portrait of the former prime minister, portraying him as a brilliant, contradictory and complex man.

A Portrait of Paul Keating PM

Recollections of a Bleeding Heart

Part diatribe, part cool reflection on the state of Australia's public language, Don Watson's Death Sentence is scathing, funny and brilliant. ' ... in public life the language has never been held in less regard. It withers in the dungeons of the technocratic mind. It is butchered by the media. In politics it lacks all qualifications for the main game.' Almost sixty years ago, George Orwell described the decay of language and why this threatened democratic society. But compared to what we now endure, the public language of Orwell's day brimmed with life and truth. Today's corporations, government departments, news media, and, perhaps most dangerously, politicians u speak to each other and to us in cliched, impenetrable, lifeless sludge. Don Watson can bear it no longer. In Death Sentence, part diatribe, part cool reflection on the state of Australia's public language, he takes a blowtorch to the words u and their users u who kill joy, imagination and clarity. Scathing, funny and brilliant, Death Sentence is a small book of profound weight u and timeliness.

The Decay of Public Language

Death Sentence

On Indignation

Citing the disturbing overuse of buzzwords and clichés in the business world and political arena, an analysis of the consequences of ineffective terminology invites readers to resist rhetoric and desensitizing verbiage while returning to more meaningful and sincere communications practices. Reprint. 15,000 first printing.

How Clichés, Weasel Words, and Management-speak are Strangling Public Language

Death Sentences

Most Australians live in cities and cling to the coastal fringe, yet our sense of what an Australian is – or should be – is drawn from the vast and varied inland called the bush. But what do we mean by 'the bush', and how has it shaped us? Starting with his forebears' battle to drive back nature and eke a living from the land, Don Watson explores the bush as it was and as it now is: the triumphs and the ruination, the commonplace and the bizarre, the stories we like to tell about ourselves and the national character, and those we don't. Via mountain ash and mallee, the birds and the beasts, slaughter, fire, flood and drought, swagmen, sheep and their shepherds, the strange and the familiar, the tragedies and the follies, the crimes and the myths and the hope – here is a journey that only our leading writer of non-fiction could take us on. At once magisterial in scope and alive with telling, wry detail, The Bush lets us see our landscape and its inhabitants afresh, examining what we have made, what we have destroyed, and what we have become in the process. No one who reads it will look at this country the same way again. 'Nothing he has written quite matches the wonders of The Bush . . . There is no dull page or even lifeless sentence between its covers and my urge is that if anyone wants a full blast of what Australia is, was, or might be, thrust The Bush into their hands. Watson seems to have been preparing to write it all his life, from when he was a small boy (born 1949) open to wonders on his family's Gippsland dairy farm . . . It's the unalloyed wonder of that small boy . . . that guides the reader most of all . . . a fountaining freshness of spirit that gives everything he sees and does the vivacity of being sighted for the first time.' Roger McDonald, The Age 'Flawlessly elegant writing . . . But this is excellent, hard-headed history, too . . . Utterly mesmerising and entrancing . . . A challenge to contemplate what it really is about this country that makes us who we think we are . . . A literary-historical odyssey.' Paul Daley, The Guardian (Australia) 'A loving rumination on Australia, the landmass, and those who live on it and from it . . . Watson refuses to be captured by easy categorisations or received opinion . . . The writing is crisp, witty and sardonic . . . Watson is an original, with an authentic, prophetic voice.' John Hirst, The Monthly 'An overwhelmingly affectionate portrait, one that's never sentimental or indulgently nostalgic, and one that defiantly resists lamentation . . . There is no doubt that The Bush stands with Bill Gammage's The Biggest Estate on Earth as one of the most important books published on the history of this country in recent years . . . The Bush is the crown in Watson's oeuvre, a magnificent, sprawling ode to the best in Australia, a challenge to us all to find new ways of loving the country.' The Saturday Paper 'Don Watson's magnificent, celebratory, contradictory study of the Australian bush will challenge the national imagination . . . An amiable, learned, playful and engrossing book . . . [A] great, succulent magic pudding of a book . . . Most of what we read is nothing like we would have expected . . . There is a sense that an amiable and eloquent uncle is telling us everything piquant he knows about theology and culture and land use and the beasts and flora and families of the bush.' Thomas Keneally, Weekend Australian 'The power of this book does come from the way Watson positions himself as both an insider and outsider to the Australian bush . . . A meditation on Australia itself through a reflection on the bush.' Frank Bongiorno, Australian Book Review 'A sprawling, fascinating book . . . Watson has pulled off a marvel, a book that educates and fascinates at the same time as it calls for action to preserve some things before they're lost. The best part, though, is his prose: bare and dry, with a dark sense of humour. A bit like the country he's describing.' Margot Lloyd, The Advertiser (Adelaide) 'Every now and again a book comes out that is so groundbreaking it causes you to think about a particular subject in a radically different light. Don Watson's The Bush: Travels in The Heart of Australia is one such work; a masterpiece of research, inquiry and poetry that challenges our basic assumptions of the Outback. Watson . . . has pulled off a dazzling achievement with The Bush, blending philosophy with science and storytelling . . . A beautifully written and thoughtful book.' Johanna Leggatt, Weekly Times 'Elegant, intricate, sprawling and sometimes harsh . . . [Watson] explores the bush with a mix of academic insight and campfire yarn . . . In a word: hypnotic.' Jeff Maynard, Herald Sun 'His romantic prose moves seamlessly through autobiographical tales to discuss the landscapes and histories that have shaped Australia.' National Geographic 'One of my favourite reads this year. What a writer he is . . . You find yourself sneaking off from others to be with it.' Kathleen Noonan, Courier-Mail 'Vast in scope, richly sourced, soaring and poetic, this journey to the heart of Australia has been rightly compared in significance to Bill Gammage's The Biggest Estate on Earth.' Barbara Farrelly, South Coast Register 'The Bush is his homage to Australia's mythic hinterland. Watson travels through the Mallee and the Murray-Darling, to WA's wheat belt and beyond, meeting people, talking, listening. Good writing that engages with Australia's past is a rare beast, too often bound up in the need for ''balance''. Watson has the freedom to ignore the rules; he allows himself to opine and he yarns at will. A delightful read.' Mark MacLean, Newcastle Herald

The Bush

No other writer has journeyed further into the soul of Australia and returned to tell the tale Watsonia collects the fruits of a writing life. It covers everything from Australian bush humour to America gone berserk; from Don Bradman to Oscar Wilde; from Animal Farm to the Australian parliament. Wherever Watson turns his incisive gaze, the results are as illuminating as they are enjoyable. Artfully arranged, Watsonia showcases the many sides of Don Watson: historian, speechwriter, commentator, humourist, nature writer and biographer. It also features several previously unpublished lectures and a wide-ranging introduction by the author. This comprehensive anthology – replete with wit, wisdom and diverse pleasures – is essential reading.

Watsonia

'In my own childhood someone was always trying to get a rise, and someone was always stalking off in tears and slamming doors behind her; or marching out of the cowshed and down the hill as if determined that the rest of us would never see her again. 'Huffs', they were called, or 'scots'. But the indignant very often walk into a void. They need resistance. And sooner or later they have to come in for tea. What then? What does it profi t a man to throw his only bowl of custard at the wall?' With characteristic wit , Don Watson explores indignation through generations of his family and their Old Testament rages. He asks why wounded pride or a sense of injustice unleashes the furies and whether there is ever virtue in it. Dazzling in its humour and eloquence, Watson turns to George W Bush- the figure who most excites his own indignation.

This is a new release of the original 1961 edition.

Indians of the Mesa Verde

Dr Don Watson - with his trademark wit and wisdom - says enough already! The English language is complex and evolving, and can win minds, hearts and nations. Why don't we try using it? Depending where you are on the change continuum, a quick pulse check will be in order and a scan of the forthcoming weather events before you move forward with your shark mitigation strategies. Were any animals were harmed in the above statement? The level of customer-centric vigilance remains below acceptable benchmarks and weasel words continue to fill our mailboxes, inboxes, ears and minds. As he did in Death Sentence and Weasel Words, Don Watson will make you cringe with recognition, and perhaps shame, and encourage you to rise up against this language that is obliterating all song, meaning and beauty from communication.

Worst Words

In May 2005, on a sudden impulse, Don Watson took a train called The Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles: like a woodworm, he thought, drilling a tiny groove into the bark of the republic. Long before it reached LA, Watson had decided to catch more trains to more places in America. The Southwest Chief had cast an irresistible spell: long days with the American landscape and American towns and American history unfolding on the outside, while on the inside a tiny particle of the American people talked among themselves. Here was a unique and seductive means of peering into the United States. Five months later, Watson had returned with a plan to travel everywhere that a train could take him. The result is this charming, witty and above all fascinating book - an extraordinary portrait of the most powerful democracy on earth, home to the best and worst of everything. This is no rant about America - there have been many such books in recent years - more an authentic snapshot of what America is and what it means. Here is Watson's reaction to the experience of American life laid bare, from frustration to fury, affection to amusement, anger to anxiety. Only in America are the most extreme contradictions possible. Only with Don Watson as our guide can we see the true character of Uncle Sam.

American Journeys

In "Indians of the Mesa Verde," Don Watson intricately weaves a narrative that explores the rich tapestry of Native American history in the southwestern United States, specifically focusing on the Ancestral Puebloans of the Mesa Verde region. Through meticulous research and vivid prose, Watson elucidates the cultural practices, architectural ingenuity, and spiritual beliefs of these indigenous peoples. The book employs a blend of descriptive ethnography and historical analysis, set against the backdrop of the stunning and harsh landscape that shaped their way of life. It serves as both a scholarly examination and a tribute to the resilience of the Ancestral Puebloans. Don Watson, an esteemed historian and anthropologist, draws upon a wealth of fieldwork and personal passion for indigenous cultures to illuminate the lives of these remarkable people. His profound respect for their traditions and struggles is evident throughout the text, reflecting his commitment to bringing marginalized voices into the broader historical discourse. Watson's work is informed by a deep understanding of the socio-political challenges faced by indigenous groups, shaped by his extensive academic background and field studies in anthropology. "Indians of the Mesa Verde" is an indispensable read for anyone interested in Native American history, anthropology, or environmental studies. Watson's engaging narrative not only honors the legacy of the Ancestral Puebloans but also encourages contemporary readers to reflect on the importance of cultural preservation and the lessons that can be learned from the past. This book promises to inspire a deeper appreciation for the complexities and richness of indigenous cultures. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Enriched edition. Unveiling the Mysteries of Mesa Verde: An Archaeological Journey into Ancestral Puebloan Culture

In Enemy Within, Don Watson takes a memorable journey into the heart of the United States in the year 2016 – and the strangest election campaign that country has seen. Travelling in the Midwest, Watson reflects on the rise of Donald Trump and the “thicket of unreality” that is the American media. Behind this he finds a deeply fearful and divided culture. Watson considers the irresistible pull – for Americans – of the Dream of exceptionalism, and asks whether this creed is reaching its limit. He explores alternate futures – from Trump-style fascism to Sanders-style civic renewal – and suggests that a Clinton presidency might see a new American blend of progressivism and militarism. Enemy Within is an eloquent, barbed look at the state of the union and the American malaise. “If, as seems likely, Clinton wins, it will not be out of love, or even hope, but rather out of fear. She can win by simply letting her deplorable opponent lose. On the other hand, she’s nothing if not adaptable, and she could yet see the chance to lead the nation’s social and economic regeneration ... Call it a New Great Awakening or a New New Deal; it would owe something to both, and to Bernie Sanders as well, but also to her need to be more than the first woman president.” —Don Watson, Enemy Within ‘Must read...[Don Watson] is the ideal person to survey Trump’s America’ —The Weekend Australian ‘A fascinating journey through the United States...’ —ABC Brisbane, Weekend Bookworm

American Politics in the Time of Trump

Quarterly Essay 63 Enemy Within

No other writer has journeyed further into the soul of Australia and returned to tell the tale ... Watsonia collects the fruits of a writing life. It covers everything from Australian bush humour to America gone berserk; from Don Bradman to Oscar Wilde; from Animal Farm to the Australian parliament. Wherever Watson turns his incisive gaze, the results are as illuminating as they are enjoyable. Artfully arranged, Watsonia showcases the many sides of Don Watson- historian, speechwriter, commentator, humourist, nature writer and biographer. It also features several previously unpublished lectures and a wide-ranging introduction by the author. This comprehensive anthology - replete with wit, wisdom and diverse pleasures - is essential reading.

A Writing Life

An extraordinary piece of history - the Scottish Highlanders on the frontier of Australia - with introduction from Inga Clendinnen. After their military defeat in 1745 the Scottish Highlanders suffered a worse humiliation. They were displaced from their ancestral lands and became curiosities: objects of romantic nostalgia, charity, scorn, anthropology - and emigration. This is a tale of their dispossession. It also tells the rout of another people, the Kurnai of Gippsland in south-eastern Australia. And prominent among those who did the routing were emigrant Highlanders like the explorer Angus McMillan. Don Watson writes about the frontier on which those two cultures met. It is a story full of tragic ironies and myths which linger to this day. First published in 1984 and recognised as a significant revisionist work, Caledonia Australis is all the more intriguing and instructive now as debate continues to rage over Aboriginal native title, practical reconciliation and the way Australian history should be written, taught and understood.

Scottish Highlanders on the Frontier of Australia

Caledonia Australis

Paul and Lori lingered in bed, relishing their solitude. He stroked the smooth curve that extended from her thigh over her hip to the valley of her waist, then up again to the margin of her breast. But the warning from Mariner, their mysterious mentor, prowled his thoughts. "If successful in this mission, you'll be hated, scorned, vilified, and persecuted. You might even lose your lives. You can still turn back, but this might be your last opportunity." Despite Mariner's caveat, the soul mates had felt compelled to accept the mission. "Mariner," Paul said, "you've given us the most powerful technology humans can imagine. It can heal terrible diseases, but it can kill to." "And from what history has taught us," Lori added, "we know that human leaders will use it for killing first and healing last." "Yes," Mariner replied, "you're in a race. Healing or killing. Which will win?" They got their first hint soon after they publicly revealed the carefully nurtured secrets Mariner had taught them. They were threatened in turn by military agents and an ambitious newspaper reporter. Mariner had been right. Their tranquility had shattered, and it was too late to turn back. AUTHOR BIO: When five years old, Dr. Watson asked two questions: "How do i know I exist?" and "What does it mean to die?" After finding the answers in the Theory of Enformed Systems, he used his experience in psychiatry, neuroscience, parapsychology, law, and politics to share them in this adventure story.

The Last Miracle

The long awaited authorised biography of Paul Keating's four years as Australia's Prime Minister. Written by his speech writer, this book is based on notes made during his term of office.

An analysis of the consequences of ineffective terminology such as buzzwords and clichâes invites readers to resist rhetoric and desensitizing verbiage while returning to more meaningful and sincere communications practices.

Historian, essayist, speechwriter, humourist, anti-cant crusader; Don Watson has a gift for luring us to the nub of a matter, or at least to a new view of it, there to grin or grind our teeth at the spectacle. Over the years Don Watson has written on politics and politicians in Australia and the USA, sport, nature, history, culture, crimes against speech, and military commemorations. Sometimes he writes in celebration of a moment or a creature of beauty; at other times, because something or someone gets on his goat - or up it, as young folk say these days. At the heart of all of his work is the belief that, more than just about anything else - more even than free markets or lifestyle choices - in a civilized society words matter.

Don Watson

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