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  • Monash

  • The Outsider Who Won a War
  • By: Roland Perry
  • Narrated by: David Tredinnick
  • Length: 25 hrs and 40 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (205 ratings)

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Monash

By: Roland Perry
Narrated by: David Tredinnick
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Publisher's Summary

Australian General Sir John Monash changed the way wars were fought and won. When the British and German High Commands of the First World War failed to gain ascendancy after four years of unprecedented human slaughter, Monash used innovative techniques and modern technology to plan and win a succession of major battles that led to the end of the Great War.

But Australia's greatest military commander fought as many battles with those on his side as he did with his enemies. Monash was the classic outsider who rose to greatness despite the mighty odd of his 'handicaps of birth' – having a German-Jewish background at a time when racism and prejudice were rife: and being a part-time colonial soldier in an Imperial British army.

Roland Perry brings to life the fascinating story of the man whom many have judged as the greatest ever Australian. Monash draws on the subject's comprehensive letter and diary archive – one of the largest in Australia's history. The result is a riveting portrait that weaves together the many strands of his life as a family man, student, engineer, businessman, lawyer, teacher, soldier, leader, romantic and lover of the arts; and reveals why, in addition to his amazing military successes, Monash is remembered and respected even more for his humanity.

©2014 Roland Perry (P)2015 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic Reviews

"Compelling and wholly absorbing ... among the most remarkable Australians of his time." (Bob Carr)
"Highly readable ... inspiring." ( The Herald Sun)

What listeners say about Monash

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very detailed and inspiring

Before this book I knew very little about John Monash. Now I feel his story should be compulsory study for all Australian school children!

The book was inspiring all along the way!

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great man; great story

Narration was very good, so perfect that must have been well tuned robot, although a slightly lighter voice would have been better. Good narration was important to my enjoyment of the book. Author did a great job in covering the many ongoing challenges faced by Monash and this kept me riveted to the book.

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3 people found this helpful

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Loved it

This is the third Rolland Perry book I have listened to, if you love Australian history I highly recommend them.

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3 people found this helpful

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Sir John

Didn't quite know what to expect and the length was a little daunting. I though this could take weeks and weeks. It took a fortnight. The history is fascinating, and gives an excellent insight to the life of a great man. His contribution to Australia is nothing short of remarkable.

It is very well read, and maintains your interest throughout.

If you have an interest in Australian history it is a must.

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1 person found this helpful

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Every Australian should read this book

But just a "military man" nit just a military book. This is an incredibly well researched and fantastically written book about Monash, Australia, the Great War, the ANZACS and all the personalities that go into making those things. I can't rate this enough.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic history of an incredible Australian.

Would you listen to Monash again? Why?

I will undoubtedly listen to Monash again. It was incredibly interesting

Who was your favorite character and why?

Obviously Monash, however King George seemed like a pretty cool guy!

What about David Tredinnick’s performance did you like?

Great voice acting especially when doing quotes. Some of the French sounded a bit strange, but I'm not sure what it should actually sound like.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Every time it listed the losses for battles that you'd just heard about. It made really angry at the ineptitude of the British military leaders.

Any additional comments?

Has inspired me to try to find more biographies of Monash.

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1 person found this helpful

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Inspirational

if you feel that your life is without direction and have only moderate Scholastic results at school, read this book.

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  • Joe
  • 02-11-2016

Great Story About a Great Australian, Engineer and Military Commander

What a terrific story. Monash was an engineer with a wonderful intellect. He applied his disciplined mind to winning a war and succeeded magnificently in a time and environment when new thinking was not readily embraced.

The story of Monash adds further depth and understanding to the Australian character.

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Fascinating Australian

What a quite fascinating man and a great one he was. I knew virtually nothing about him beforehand, and am now consumed with admiration for him, and his many achievements (as well as his interesting private life).
I could have wished the author allowed Monash’s own words to speak more, particularly given the extensive letters and diaries he wrote, rather than speaking for him and about him at virtually every point, and could have done with somewhat less of his childhood.
However, the book itself was well worth listening to. As an engineer, he oversaw the building of Princes Bridge, and saw the importance of reinforced concrete before anyone else. As a lawyer he developed a strong reputation as an expert witness in construction, and building contractual disputes. And as a. Olunteer soldier, he attracted notice early on, which eventually saw him play such an important part in winning the war. His record of achievements and particularly those of WWI and the part the Australian soldiers played in winning the war deserve to be so much better known. Not finished, he managed repatriation of soldiers with warmth and understanding. Oh, and then he went on to establish the State Electricity Commission of Australia, and found the German engineers needed to be able to turn the overly damp brown coal into the much needed electricity for the masses.
All this by a German born Jew, considered and often treated badly and with much prejudice. I would not have thought this very long biography could have kept me so interested throughout. What a truly great man in all senses of the word.

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  • Overall
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A must read for all Australians

The level of insight into Monash and both his and the AIFs experience of WW1 is captivating
What he and the AIF achieved is something that’s not taught and understood by the Australian public and books like this go along way to getting that information out there

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