Dimensions
153 x 234 x 26mm
Countries don't get lucky; people do.
THE LUCKY CULTURE tells the story of Australian exceptionalism, the unique national quality that transformed a raw, unbroken continent into the great civilisation of the south. In the beginning, Australians were driven by the spirit of progress and united by the faith that human wit and energy could overcome any obstacle. They thrived on the principle of egalitarianism: some Australians might be better off than their neighbours but no one was allowed to be better. It was not who you were that mattered, but what you had inside. Today, however, Australia has a new class of people, a self-appointed elite, who consider themselves to be smarter, more sophisticated and better mannered than the rest.
Almost half a century after Donald Horne first tried to define 'The Lucky Country', Nick Cater surveys the cultural landscape, and the rift that divides a presumptive ruling class from a people who refuse to be ruled. At stake is the idea of Australia, in a battle that pitches the virtues of egalitarianism and enterprise against the values of righteousness and rights.
THE LUCKY CULTURE is an inspiring, intelligent and original take on modern Australia and its people. Sometimes rousing, often provocative and always good humoured, its unexpectedly moving message cannot be ignored.
