Book review - "Black Jack - Political Gladiator"

Fascinating biography of Jack McEwen, head of the country party and deputy PM for Australia from the late 50s to the early 70s, briefly PM after Holt's death. When people talk of the "Menzies era" they really mean the Menzies-McEwan era - his philosophies helped define the economy. He was in charge of trade, not the treasury. A protectionist, there is some doubt whether his influence was all good - his biographer argues that he was totally right up til 1960 but after a key adviser left he became more inflexible. It probably really would have been better for Australia had the Libs been voted out in 1961 like the public seemed to want - they had run out of puff. But McEwen was clearly a giant, a man who inspired fear and respect on both sides, a formidable opponent. The stories of his clashes with McMahon and Gorton are the most dramatically interesting; there is also a lot of stuff about tariffs and trade which can be a little heavy going at times. Was he right? Would you prefer him back? His is a story that should be told and remembered more than it is.