Brian Matthews Books

Manning Clark, a pivotal Australian intellectual, is portrayed as a complex figure whose provocative political views sparked controversy. His monumental six-volume History of Australia redefined the narrative of the nation's evolution, chronicling key events and figures with deep insight. Yet, beneath his public persona lay a man grappling with self-doubt, personal failures, and a quest for faith. Brian Matthews' biography delves into Clark's life, revealing a tortured genius who captivated both supporters and critics, offering a compelling exploration of his legacy and struggles.

To generations Richie Benaud was an astute observer of cricket, a fixture of television coverage. Behind the public façade was a charming man whose modesty and firmness of opinion dictated that no one would write his official biography—and no friend of his should help an unofficial biographer. In Benaud, Brian Matthews offers a personal appreciation of Richie Benaud: the dashing exponent of leg spin, innovative captain and prolific writer about the game, but also the intensely private individual. From backyard games in the 1950s and an encounter at Old Trafford to Benaud’s heyday in the commentary box—via the Benaud family home in Parramatta and ancestral home in France—Matthews traces the contours in the life of one of the greats.