Description
The Palace Letters by Jenny Hocking reveals the previously secret correspondence between the British monarchy and the Australian Governor-General during one of the most controversial political events in Australia's history.
Historian Jenny Hocking draws on the extraordinary collection of letters exchanged between Sir John Kerr, Australia's Governor-General, and Sir Martin Charteris, Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, during the period surrounding the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1975. For decades, these letters were kept confidential, with their contents at the centre of questions about the constitutional crisis and the role of the Palace in Australian politics.
Hocking's research examines what the correspondence reveals about the relationship between the Governor-General, the Queen and the British monarchy, as well as the events leading up to and following the dismissal of the Whitlam Government. The letters provide a rare insight into the private discussions and concerns surrounding the constitutional powers of the Governor-General and the role of the monarchy in Australia's political system.
The book also explores Hocking's lengthy legal battle to gain access to the letters and the significance of their eventual release. The correspondence provides new material for understanding the dismissal and raises important questions about transparency, constitutional power and Australia's relationship with the British Crown.
Engaging and highly relevant to Australian political history, The Palace Letters will appeal to readers interested in the Whitlam dismissal, Australian constitutional history, the Australian monarchy, political biographies and the hidden history behind one of the nation's most significant political crises.
Genre: Australian History / Political History / Biography
Target Audience: Readers interested in Australian politics, the 1975 constitutional crisis, Gough Whitlam, the Australian monarchy, constitutional history and twentieth-century Australian history.
Condition: Good vintage condition overall. Some yellowing due to age, minor wear and bumps to the corners
Dimensions: 23.5cm x 15cm
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