Over the 23 years and nine federal elections won by the Coalition between 1949 and 1972 – justifiably defined as the Menzies era – Australia saw huge economic growth, social change and considerable political turmoil. John Howard, who grew up under Menzies, expertly covers it all, including, the attempt to ban the Communist Party, the Petrov Affair, the great Labor Split of 1955, alliance with the United States, shifting focus towards Asia, Vietnam War, and the recovery of the Labor Party under Whitlam. This magisterial book offers a comprehensive assessment of how Menzies laid the foundation for modern Australia.