Short stories have always been a sort of instant access into an author’s brain, their soul and heart. A few pages can lift our lives into locations, people and experiences with a sweep of landscape, narration, feelings and emotions that is difficult to achieve elsewhere.In this series we try to offer up tried and trusted ‘Top Tens’ across many different themes and authors. But any anthology will immediately throw up the questions – Why that story? Why that author?The theme ...

The title "Gold and Incense" likely alludes to themes of wealth, temptation, and spirituality, drawing from biblical imagery and symbolism. The story may revolve around characters grappling with moral dilemmas, personal growth, and the pursuit of deeper spiritual understanding.Mark Guy Pearse's writing style is known for its warmth, sincerity, and ability to capture the nuances of human relationships and spiritual journeys. His novels often feature strong moral lessons woven into engaging ...

In "Gold and Incense," Mark Guy Pearse intricately weaves a narrative that reflects upon the profound themes of spirituality, wealth, and moral reckoning. Set against a backdrop reminiscent of historical salons and the rich tapestry of Biblical allegories, Pearse employs a lyrical prose style that resonates with both beauty and gravity. The text operates within a literary context that questions the intersection of materialism and faith, prompting readers to contemplate the true essence of ...

Australia's dirtiest habit is its addiction to coal. But is our dependence on it a road to prosperity or a dead end? Are we hooked for life? And who is profiting from our addiction?Former lobbyist and political insider Guy Pearse, media and politics commentator David McKnight and environment writer Bob Burton cut through the spin to expose the underbelly of an industry whose power continues to soar while its expansion feeds catastrophic climate change.They dissect the charm...

'Likely to become the essential short work on modern Australia' Don Watson'Megalogenis is Australia's best explainer … A brilliant read' Annabel CrabbWinner of the 2013 Prime Minister's Literary Award, 2012 Walkley Book Award, and Australia's bestselling political book of 2012There's no better place to be during economic turbulence than Australia. Brilliant in a bust, we've learnt to use our brains in a boom....

An irreverent take on the political life and times of Australia's twenty eighth prime minister, detailing a litany of questionable calls, miraculous blunders, and inexplicable mistakes.In August 2013, Australia welcomed Tony Abbott as its new prime minister. This promised to be a marriage between responsible government and a nation tired of the endless drama of the Gillard-Rudd years. But then... Well...Fairfax columnist Andrew P Street details the litany o...

Praise for Swan's handling of the economy'One of the most impressive economic policies I have seen, ever.' - Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel laureate'Wayne Swan's judgment and decisiveness, in international terms, must rank a high distinction.' - Paul KeatingA very personal account of an extraordinary period in Australian politics.Despite the divisions within the Labor Party as the Rudd government fell into disunity and as Julia Gillard was undermined by disloyalty f...

Australia has a new $60 billion-plus industry. Suddenly it seems, coal seam gas is being found everywhere: under homes, under farms, under forests. Communities across the country are up in arms and governments are scrambling to satisfy competing demands for affordable energy with protection of our land and water. Big oil and gas companies hope Australia will soon be the biggest liquid natural gas exporter in the world, but Greenies and farmers are united in their opposition to coal seam ga...

Paul Keating is widely credited as the chief architect of the most significant period of political and economic reform in Australia's history. Twenty years on, there is still no story from the horse's mouth of how it all came about. No autobiography. No memoir. Yet he is the supreme story-teller of politics.This book of revelations fills the gap. Kerry O'Brien, the consummate interviewer who knew all the players and lived the history, has spent many long hours with Keating, teasing...

Passionate, vivid and immediate, and full of insights, this is Rob Oakeshott's honest and real story of life in Australian politics. From his apprenticeship in the NSW parliament to the last days of the Gillard government, he tells it as it was.When the results of the 2010 federal election became known, no party had a majority in the House of Representatives it was the first hung parliament for forty years. So, both the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and the Leader of the Oppositio...

No Australian prime minister has had to face such a difficult and challenging political environment as did Julia Gillard. Her impressive legislative record was overshadowed by pitched battles with jealous rivals and a remarkably hostile media, as well as her own struggles to communicate effectively with the public.Following her successful The Making of Julia Gillard, award-winning biographer Jacqueline Kent analyses our first woman prime minister's tumultuous term in offic...

The never-before-told story of BHP Billiton's global conquests, told by the key players.BHP is part of Australia's DNA; but it remains an enigma. The Big Fella: The rise and rise of BHP Billiton is the compelling story of how BHP and its partner Billiton rose from the humblest beginnings in the Australian Outback and on the Indonesian island of Belitung to starry heights on the great bourses of the world. Based on more than 60 exclusive interviews...