Jonestown

WINNER OF THE WALKLEY NON-FICTION BOOK AWARD

WINNER, QUEENSLAND PREMIER’S LITERARY AWARD, THE HARRY WILLIAMS AWARD FOR ADVANCING PUBLIC DEBATE

SHORTLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BIOGRAPHY AWARD

SHORTLISTED FOR THE NSW PREMIER’S LITERARY AWARD FOR NON-FICTION

SHORTLISTED FOR THE AUSTRALIAN BOOK INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD AND BIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR AWARD

How do we rank a man who raised millions for people in need but whose actions wasted millions in support of unworthy mates and poor public policy? How do we define someone who on his own found jobs for the out of work but who routinely trashed the careers of others?

These are some of the many paradoxes of Alan Jones. Why was he adored? Why is he reviled? Why did this talk radio host have the power to dine with presidents, lecture prime ministers and premiers, and influence government ministers? And how is it that he could not only survive such a scandal as the ‘cash for comment’ affair, but go on to greater reward? Chris Masters seeks the answers to these questions and in doing so reveals a complex individual and the potent relationship he has with both Struggle Street and the big end of town.

Compelling and probing, Jonestown takes us to the hazardous intersection of populism and politics. It reaches deep into a powerful industry and exposes the myth and the magic of a very powerful man.

‘Tough and impassioned this is a finely written and sparkling book.’ – Bridget Griffen-Foley, Sydney Morning Herald

‘Masters unveils a richly detailed and surprisingly rounded portrait of Jones…profoundly disturbing reading.’ – Matthew Ricketson, The Age

Author Biography

Chris Masters PSM is a powerful force in Australian journalism. A multi Walkley Award winner, his reports ‘The Big League’ and ‘The Moonlight State’ both led to royal commissions that helped transform the nation. He spent extended periods with Australian forces in Afghanistan, and he is also the author of the bestselling Uncommon Soldier, No Front Line and Flawed Hero.