Lessons from History

<p>Does history repeat itself in meaningful ways or is each problem unique? How can a knowledge of Australian history enhance our understanding of the present and prepare us for the future?</p><p><em style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0)>Lessons from History</em> is written with the conviction that we must see the world and confront its many challenges with an understanding of what has gone before. A diverse range of historians including Graeme Davison Yves Rees Joan Beaumont Ann Curthoys Mahsheed Ansari Peter Spearritt and Frank Bongiorno tackles the biggest challenges that face Australia and the world and shows how the past provides context and insight that can guide us today and tomorrow.</p><p><strong style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0)>'Know the past to change the future. Insightful essays by leading historians on the complex back stories of some of our most vexed policy challenges.'</strong> <strong style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0)>- Judith Brett</strong></p><p><strong style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0)>'<em>Lessons from History</em> makes a formidable case for the contemporary real-world relevance in both national and international policymaking of deep historical understanding. Hugh White's account of the lessons of 1914 and 1939 for today's would-be warriors - just one of twenty-two invariably thought-provoking essays - is alone worth the purchase price. A rich and rewarding collection which should be read by anyone concerned for Australia's future.'</strong> <strong style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0)>- Gareth Evans</strong></p><p><strong style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0)>'For several decades now our national mentality has been dominated by economists and culture warriors. Few dare stand up to them. In this book our top historians begin the fightback. As the pandemics recessions extremism and wars of the twentieth century return the history profession announces its intention to re-enter the public sphere to help create a better future - and not a moment too soon. <em>Lessons from History</em> is the statement of intent all believers in the importance of this crucial discipline have been waiting for.'</strong> <strong style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0)>- Dennis Glover</strong></p><p><strong style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0)>'When devising policies to address everything from climate change to racial justice and gender equality to war and conflict history and historical thinking are not only relevant this book shows they are essential.'</strong> <strong style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0)>- Phillipa McGuinness</strong></p><p><strong style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0)>'A book for the times - an astute contribution to public debate. In twenty-two lively and eminently readable essays leading historians present a compelling case for the importance of history to add span depth context and above all wisdom to our policy making repertoire.'</strong> <strong style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0)>- Henry Reynolds</strong></p><p><br></p>