‘This is the story of a young democracy that is unique. A thrilling and valuable book.’

‘This book unravels mysteries, and explains the quirks and triumphs of Australia. It answers questions you didn’t even know you had. I learned something on every page.’

‘This absorbing book explains a century-old institution, how it came to be, and how it survives.’

‘Brett’s writing is capable of extraordinary clarity, insight and compassion.’

‘Magnificent…an excellent, fast-moving narrative establishing how Australia became one of the world’s pre-eminent democracies.’

‘As Brett’s splendid book reminds us, the fundamentals of our electoral system should make us all proud.’

‘A tremendous piece of work.’

‘[A] brief but seriously compelling history of how we do democracy… riveting.’

‘[Brett’s] fascinating story of how we vote also discloses larger truths about what we are like as a people.’