Marilyn Lake

Henry Reynolds

In recent years Anzac, an idea as much as an actual army corps, has become the dominant force within Australian history, overshadowing everything else. The commemoration of Anzac Day is bigger than ever, while Remembrance Day, VE Day, VP Day and other military anniversaries grow in significance each year.

The Militarisation of Australian History

What's Wrong with ANZAC?

Michael Camilleri

This is a terrific, and truly important, book looking at the way Australia has shifted its perception of ANZAC from sombre remembrance to jubilant commemoration. It's such a shame that a country that should be so proud of the fact it didn't need a war in order to unite its six colonies feels it so desperately needs a military myth to kick things off. Should be essential reading for all Australians. (The militarisation that it talks about is a problem in other countries but this is a book written for Australians and will be largely inaccessible to everyone else.)

What's Wrong with ANZAC? The Militarisation of Australian History

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