Collection of essays and reviews written by Paul Hasluck in the years before his death in 1993. Contrasts social attitudes in Australia early in the century with attitudes 60 or more years later. Also presents anecdotes about several of his contemporaries, including Curtin, Evatt, Menzies, Gorton, McMahon and Whitlam. Paul Hasluck was born in the country, son of Salvation Army parents. During his life he was variously: journalist, poet, drama critic, war historian, author, publisher, anthropologist, public servant, diplomat, federal minister and Governor-General. Includes an introduction and postscript by his son, Nicholas Hasluck.