Lionel Murphy: A Political Biography [Hardcover]

Jenny Hocking (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 28, 1997

Jenny Hocking's political biography of Australian barrister, politician and High Court judge Lionel Murphy forced a reinterpretation of Murphy's considerable legal, social and political legacy. Now available in paperback, this new version includes an epilogue in which Hocking reassesses Murphy's place in the recent political and legal landscape. She argues that a long and influential career should not be obscured by the traumatic years before his death or the media sensationalism since.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Jenny Hocking's political biography of barrister, politician and High Court judge Lionel Murphy created a sensation when it was first published in 1997. The book forced a reinterpretation of Murphy's considerable legal, social and political legacy. Now available in paperback, this new version includes an epilogue in which Hocking reassesses Murphy's place in the recent political and legal landscape. She argues that a long and influential career should not be obscured by the traumatic years before his death nor the media sensationalism since.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 371 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (November 28, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521581087
• ISBN-13: 978-0521581080
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,970,197 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling life story, June 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Lionel Murphy: A Political Biography (Hardcover)

Jenny Hocking's rigorously researched and documented account of the life of Australian Labor Lawyer, politician and Judge Lionel Murphy is a real story of twentieth century achievement.

So much of what Murphy did in his life represented a huge step forward socially and politically for a country that until the mid 1970s, for example, banned many classic books, artworks and films - such as, unbelievably, statuette replicas of Michaelangelo's David! But of course removal of ludicrous censorship provisions was only a tiny part of the incredible list changes he helped bring about. The abolition of the death penalty, cheap, quick and accessible no-fault divorce laws, consumer protections, an international case to stop French nuclear testing in the pacific, free legal aid and anti-discrimination laws are part of an enduring legacy.

As a Judge on Australian's constitutional and highest appeal court Murphy was often in dissent but his judgements were enormously persuasive and the court has slowly but surely moved to his view in many cases.

Hocking's description of his last tortuous few years when he was hounded in a media and politically driven witchhunt is extremely moving. Nothing in Australian political life has ever happen like that before or since and it is no wonder that the man died from stress-related cancer as a result. This sorry episode is akin to the McCarthyite hysteria of the 1950s.

All the time though Murphy's unique character and spirit is evident. He was surely as charismatic and exciting as any politician last century.

It's a great read.