The Education of a Young Liberal: From Boy to Hardened Political Hack

Political Memoir Biography Australian Politics Coming-of-Age Non-Fiction Political Ethics Public Policy Social Commentary

The Education of a Young Liberal: From Boy to Hardened Political Hack is the candid coming-of-age story every politics-watcher loves to find: a front-row seat inside Australia’s Labor machine, told by the man who went from wide-eyed campus idealist to back-room operative in under a decade. John Hyde Page charts his transformation with rare humour and zero spin, naming names, mapping factional deals and exposing the tiny compromises that snowball into lifelong cynicism. The result is a fast-paced memoir that doubles as a crash-course in how modern political parties really work—perfect for students of politics, public-policy buffs and anyone who has ever wondered why youthful convictions so often melt into “whatever it takes”.

What makes this 2006 paperback especially collectible is its unfiltered voice: Hyde Page refuses to varnish either his own ambitions or the system that rewarded them. Readers get the thrill of door-knocking campaigns, late-night policy brawls and the adrenaline of election night, but also the sober reflection of a man who realises the cost of winning at all costs. The book has become a cult reference for Australian political junkies and is frequently cited in university courses on political theory and ethics, yet it remains accessible enough for young adults looking for a real-world companion to their civics classes.

This copy is in good, tightly-bound condition—no previous-owner marks, just gentle edge-toning that testifies to its shelf life without obscuring text. At 315 pages it is substantial enough for a weekend deep-dive, light enough to slip into a backpack or commute bag. For collectors of political memoirs, Australian history, or narratives of personal disillusionment and growth, The Education of a Young Liberal offers both entertainment and a timeless warning: ideals are fragile, and the education never stops.

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