Set against the backdrop of the First World War, the narrative explores the emotional struggle of Emily as she grapples with her brother Tom's desire to join the war effort. Despite the societal pressure for young men to enlist, Emily's heartfelt objections highlight the personal toll of conflict. The story delves into themes of family, sacrifice, and the profound impact of war on Australian society, particularly during the harrowing events at Gallipoli. It captures the essence of courage and endurance in the face of adversity.
The text for this book arose from materials the author collected while making a television biography of Yehudi Menuhin. Of course, what a book cannot include is the sound of Yehudi playing, without which it might be argued no biography of Menuhin is complete. It was first transmitted on Channel Four Television in Britain, to celebrate Yehudi's seventy-fifth birthday. What follows, therefore, is not biography in the strictest sense, although it gives the illusion of chronology, and all its facts, as far as I can ascertain, are correct. Rather, it is an impression of the man and his artistry through the words - principally - of his family, living or dead.
The Oz trial was the longest obscenity trial in history.It was also one of the worst reported. With minor exceptions, the Press chose to rewrite what had occurred, presumably to fit in with what seemed to them the acceptable prejudices of the times. Perhaps this was inevitable.The proceedings dragged on for nearly six weeks in the hot summer of 1971, when there were, no doubt, a great many other events more worthy of attention. Against the background of murder in Ulster, for example, the Oz affair fades into its proper insignificance.Even so, after the trial, when some newspapers realised that maybe something important had happened, trial and judgement by a badly informed press became the order of the day. A factual account was required.This revised 40th anniversary edition of The Trials of Oz includes new material by all three of the original defendants, the prosecuting barrister, one of the Oz schoolkids, and even the daughters of the judge. There are also many illustrations, including unseen material from Felix Dennis’ own collection.Tony Palmer is a highly esteemed film maker and writer who was described by Yehudi Menhuin as ‘a clear-seeing, visionary artist.’ Palmer followed the Oz trial every inch of the way and The Trials of Oz remains the definitive account.
Set against the backdrop of a landmark legal battle, this narrative delves into the Oz trial, which holds the record as the longest obscenity trial in history. It explores the cultural and societal implications of the case, highlighting the clash between artistic expression and legal boundaries. Through vivid accounts of courtroom drama and the key figures involved, the book examines themes of freedom of speech, censorship, and the evolving standards of morality in society.
