The use and abuse of history

Frequently in the media we hear politicians using 'history' to justify a viewpoint resulting in a variety of interpretations of an action or event.

In this book Graeme Davison looks at the ways history is recorded and interpreted in Australia, particularly how the past is used and sometimes misused. Sections of the book look at the need for heroes and hero-worship, monuments, statues and other memorials, national celebrations, concept of heritage, historic buildings, reuse of church buildings, teaching of history in schools, use of community history, history and business and history and politics.

Written ten years ago, this book is still relevant today.