Bennelong and Phillip

Reviews

‘Rich and exciting history telling … brave, audacious … has the reader thinking deeply about the meaning of history and the role it plays in our lives … Fullagar’s position is ethically scrupulous, and highly objective in research and exposition … I recommend this as a book that carries us much further on the journey to a reconciled future – and a delicious read to boot.’ ‘an important book for our current time … A fantastic book and a challenging one.’ ‘At a moment of profound uncertainty for future relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, Bennelong and Phillip is essential reading.’ ‘Kate Fullagar has achieved something astonishing … This is reconciled history at its very best.’ ‘With insight and empathy, Kate Fullagar adds new depth and meaning to this old story of nation-building and imperial dispossession.’ ‘Bennelong and Phillip is the foundation story of us – the story of Country – the story of our nation.’ ‘Contact history of a wonderfully vivid and interesting kind.’ 'In this significant, entwined biography of both men, Kate Fullagar dispels the myths surrounding Bennelong and reframes the context of Phillip’s life ... The innovative structure, fluent prose and illuminating analysis make this book an absorbing read ... Not only an important book but a timely one.' 'This is an important, if not unparalleled work of Australian historiography. It is the sort of book that should receive awards.' ‘Kate Fullagar’s important new work … brings a creative and original lens to a foundational relationship … Fullagar explores how the two men’s shared history did indeed shape Australia’s, but not simply in the way foundational narratives have tended to represent them … Bennelong & Phillip gives us a new, original lens onto this origin story … And we’re offered a much richer, nuanced account of Bennelong, who Fullagar reads in context and on Country … She also writes beautifully and clearly.’ Expand reviews