HomeWhat's On > Book launch: The Shortest History of Australia

Book launch: The Shortest History of Australia

Headshot of Mark McKenna
Headshot of Mark McKenna

Overview

Mark McKenna sits down with Frank Bongiorno to discuss Mark's new book and how it came together at the National Library of Australia.

In The Shortest History of Australia, Mark McKenna offers a compelling new version of the national story. This is a modern Australia permeated by First Nations history; a multicultural society with an island mindset; a continent of epic beauty and extreme natural events; a country obsessed by war abroad but blind to its founding war at home; and a thriving nation-state still to realise its political independence.

McKenna's wise and humane history reveals the surprising in the familiar and reframes the past so we can see the present more clearly.

Entry to this event is free but bookings are essential. Following the presentation, Mark will be available for book signings in the Library foyer.

Dates

5 Nov 2025
November 2025
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Map of the venue locationMap of the venue location
National Library of AustraliaParkes Place West, Parkes, Australian Capital Territory, AustraliaGet Directions
  • Cafe
  • Carpark
  • Family Friendly
  • Lockers
  • Non Smoking
  • Parents Room
  • Public Toilet
  • Shop / Gift Shop