It is a measure of the interest he arouses that Paul Keating, still in his forties, has become the subject of a biography. A federal politician since the age of 25, and Australia's treasurer since 1983, he has made a vivid imprint on his country's financial system and structure. The image and thinking of the Australian Labor Party in the 1980s carries his brand. This mid-life account of a man whose career—whichever direction it takes—is far from over, explores the politician behind the moves, the passionately private person whose boots-and-all approach to political life has won him admirers and bitter detractors.
This book is not an 'authorised' account of Keating's life: he did not commission the biography. It was never suggested that he read the manuscript, nor has he requested to do so. He has co-operated, but not attempted to influence the content.