A LIFE IN WORDS

LES CARLYON ALLEN & UNWIN, RRP $38

The late Les Carlyon was one of the finest journalists Australia has produced. This collection of his articles showcases his ability to observe with penetrating acumen and inform with honesty and humour. Princess Diana, he observes, married into an institution that was all about money and property and to which “sure breeders are more prized than true loves.” Democracy is about conversations, and based on the idea that those of us who support the party that lost, will tolerate the party that won. On Australia Day we are trying to work out who we are, while on Anzac Day we know the answer and like it. Despite the articles being selected from a career spanning 50 years, there is still a freshness and relevance in the views expressed. From the poetry of Banjo Paterson, to the politics of John Howard, Carlyon’s writing is rich, varied and highly entertaining.