Bibliography.

Bibliography: p. [272]-286.

Includes index.

Includes index.

"The number of books written about the Whitlam government and Whitlam himself have created a myth which continues to feed on itself. However, James Walter's approach in 'The Leader' is quite unlike any previous commentator and is the only serious non-journalistic biography of the man. It is, in fact, unique in Australian political science as the first sustained attempt to apply psychological theory to the career of an Australian political leader.
Whitlam's controversial career has created paradoxical accounts of the man. Successive books have branded him as genius or political naive, creator or destroyer. Apparently, conflicting strains in Whitlam's public life have offered grounds for both positive and negative accounts and made him an enigma to many. Indeed, the difficulty in reaching a satisfactory understanding of Whitlam epitomizes the problems of coming to terms with leadership itself. Walter argues that the enigma is more apparent than real and that a judicious interpretation of Whitlam's life can dissolve the paradox and explain the conflicting elements in his character as aspects of a recognizable personality type. Indeed, the very characteristics essential for success could not have existed in isolation from the traits that led to failure.
Few men enter political life, and fewer still become leaders. What drives these uncommon men to seek political power and leadership? Most political and historical biographies leave this vital question unanswered. 'The Leader' explores the motivation of its fascinating subject and the reader will find the journey an unforgettable one." -- Inside cover