{"title":"Chris Masters","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to our curated collection of works by the renowned journalist and author, Chris Masters. Known for his deeply insightful and investigative storytelling, Masters has carved a niche in the realms of \u003cem\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Military\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eBiography \u0026amp; Memoir\u003c\/em\u003e. His books captivate readers by uncovering complex truths and presenting them with clarity and depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cstrong\u003eFlawed Hero\u003c\/strong\u003e, Masters investigates the enigmatic personality of Australian war hero Ben Roberts-Smith, providing a balanced and thought-provoking analysis of his life and legacies. With \u003cstrong\u003eJonestown\u003c\/strong\u003e, you will find an engaging account of the rise and fall of one of Australia's most controversial media figures, Jonestown. This biography sheds light on the intricate ties between media power and personal ambition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo Front Line\u003c\/strong\u003e offers an unvarnished look at the lives of Australian soldiers in Afghanistan, bringing to light the harrowing realities and courageous acts experienced on the battlefield. Finally, \u003cstrong\u003eUncommon Soldier\u003c\/strong\u003e delves into the changing nature of modern warfare and the unique experiences of those who serve, painting a vivid picture of life in the military today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChris Masters' works are essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the broader strokes of history and the intimate narratives of those who helped shape it. Dive into his collection and explore the stories of resilience, courage, and the complex nature of heroism.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"jonestown-by-chris-masters-9781741753202","title":"Jonestown","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWINNER OF THE WALKLEY NON-FICTION BOOK AWARD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWINNER, QUEENSLAND PREMIER'S LITERARY AWARD, THE HARRY WILLIAMS AWARD FOR ADVANCING PUBLIC DEBATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSHORTLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BIOGRAPHY AWARD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSHORTLISTED FOR THE NSW PREMIER'S LITERARY AWARD FOR NON-FICTION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSHORTLISTED FOR THE AUSTRALIAN BOOK INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD AND BIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR AWARD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow 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?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCompelling and probing, \u003ci\u003eJonestown\u003c\/i\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Tough and impassioned this is a finely written and sparkling book.'\u003c\/em\u003e - \u003cstrong\u003eBridget Griffen-Foley, \u003ci\u003eSydney Morning Herald\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Masters unveils a richly detailed and surprisingly rounded portrait of Jones...profoundly disturbing reading.'\u003c\/em\u003e - \u003cstrong\u003eMatthew Ricketson, \u003ci\u003eThe Age\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46844309537004,"sku":"9781741753202","price":32.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/3433703482808.jpg?v=1758833725"},{"product_id":"flawed-hero-by-chris-masters-9781761069819","title":"Flawed Hero","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eNow With a New Epilogue Bringing the Story Up to Date\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChris Masters is joint winner of the 2023 Walkley Honour for Media Freedom for his investigation of the Ben Roberts-Smith story.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinner of the Australian Political Book of the Year Award 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShortlisted for the Anzac Memorial Trustees' Military History Prize in the NSW Premier's History Awards 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShortlisted for the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith a Victoria Cross and Medal for Gallantry, Ben Roberts-Smith was the most highly decorated Australian soldier, the best of the best. When he returned to civilian life, he became a poster boy for a nation hungry for warrior heroes. He embodied the myth of the classic Anzac, seven-foot-tall and bulletproof. But as his public reputation continued to grow, inside the army rumours were circulating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGold Walkley Award winning journalist Chris Masters was the first to investigate the rumours of summary executions, bloodings and bullying, and began to examine more closely the man we wanted to hero-worship. When the stories hit the headlines, and with a billionaire media baron's backing, Ben Roberts-Smith sued. So commenced the defamation trial of the century, a courtroom contest of tightrope tactics and fierce wit, which Ben Roberts-Smith lost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChris Masters tells the extraordinary story of Ben Roberts-Smith, from the battlegrounds of Afghanistan to the frontlines of the Federal Court trial that established on the balance of probabilities he committed war crimes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'For those who believe unquestioningly in the ANZAC spirit, this book offers an important corrective - hero worship must not be blind.' - \u003ci\u003eSydney Morning Herald\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'A controversial and sobering story, Masters' long search for any truth behind rumours of alleged war crimes by war hero Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG in Afghanistan, and the defamation trial which followed, is unprecedented in our military history.' - \u003ci\u003eDenise Carlyon\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Powerful, passionate and often moving narrative' - \u003ci\u003eInside Story\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'An account of reporters taking on the legal system, the political establishment and much of the Australian media and - against those almost impossible odds - somehow emerging with the story' - \u003ci\u003eThe Saturday Paper\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'If there was a Victoria Cross for bravery in journalism, Chris Masters deserves to receive it.' - \u003ci\u003ePhillip Adams\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'War has always been the stuff of myth-making from the Anzacs to the present day. \u003cem\u003eFlawed Hero\u003c\/em\u003e shakes the blind beliefs of those who unquestionably only see what they want to see - a war hero.' - \u003ci\u003eThe Conversation\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'There's seriously no one else in Australia with the knowledge that Chris Masters has in relation to Australian Special Forces in Afghanistan.' - \u003ci\u003eFormer Commando Major\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46849130365164,"sku":"9781761069819","price":45.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/28085133482814.jpg?v=1759020415"},{"product_id":"no-front-line-by-chris-masters-9781760111144","title":"No Front Line","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe soldiers of the SAS, the Commandos, and Special Operations Engineer Regiment are Australia's most highly trained soldiers. Their work is often secret, their bravery undeniable, and for thirteen years they were at the forefront of Australia's longest war. Shunning acclaim, they are the Australian Defence Forces' brightest and best-skilled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn an extraordinary investigation undertaken over ten years, Chris Masters opens up the heart of Australia's Special Forces and their war in Afghanistan. He gives voice to the soldiers, takes us to the centre of some of the fiercest combat Australia has ever experienced, and provides the most intimate examination of what it is like to be a member of this country's elite fighting forces. But he also asks difficult questions that reveal controversial clouds hanging over our Special Operations mission in Afghanistan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor Australia, there is no more important war to examine in detail. Afghanistan lives in our recent past and will continue to occupy our future. Masterfully told, \u003ci\u003eNo Front Line\u003c\/i\u003e will find a place as one of Australia's finest books on contemporary soldiering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'In this remarkable book about the intense combat environment experienced by our soldiers in Afghanistan, Chris Masters captures the highs, the lows, the courage and the sacrifice of Australian warriors and their loved ones in our longest war.' - Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret'd)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'This book tells a story that many of us had not told our loved ones and will no doubt help to articulate and heal all those who sacrificed much in and out of uniform.' - Commando Warrant Officer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'I was impressed by \u003ci\u003eNo Front Line's\u003c\/i\u003e detail, quality, and objectivity... I wanted to reassure you that most Regiment members understand this and are speaking positively about the book.' - Former SASR Patrol Sergeant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Thank you Chris Masters for your dedication and attention to detail in documenting this most comprehensive story of Australian Special Forces in Afghanistan.' - Former Commando Corporal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'I have always felt that 90% of the blokes in the unit would be supportive of the book...' - SASR Troop Sergeant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Brilliant. There's seriously no one else in Australia with the knowledge that Chris Masters has in relation to Australian Special Forces in Afghanistan. Lots of lessons learned and examples of heroism that if not for Chris Masters would be lost forever.' - Former Commando Major\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Thanks for your professionalism and intellectual honesty. It is much needed in this space.' - Former SASR Trooper\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Well done. Great to see the boys being recognised for their sacrifice.' - Former Commando Lance Corporal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'I think you captured the feelings of many of us at the end of that deployment perfectly.' - Former Special Forces Major\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46849588363500,"sku":"9781760111144","price":45.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/18498383482814.jpg?v=1759054909"},{"product_id":"uncommon-soldier-by-chris-masters-9781743317327","title":"Uncommon Soldier","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChris Masters, the country's foremost investigative journalist, turns his penetrating gaze on the modern Australian soldier. Moving away from our ongoing fascination with the Anzac story, he looks at the rich and illuminating present to write a character study of the modern Australian soldier—war fighter, peacekeeper, street-level diplomat, and aid worker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHaving been taken into their ranks in a way rarely before afforded an outsider, Masters gives heart and shape to the contemporary digger: how they are selected, how they are led, and how they are transformed from civilians to disciplined professional soldiers. And in asking if they are unique, he examines what it is that allows these young Australians to lend moral authority to communities teetering on the precipice of violence in places such as Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy sharing the experiences of the young men and women who make up the Australian army, Masters puts under severe challenge the notion that soldiering is the province of dumb grunts. In doing so, he argues that the best measure of this country's military legend is found in the present. \u003cem\u003eUncommon Soldier\u003c\/em\u003e is a rare and powerful work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46851998548204,"sku":"9781743317327","price":39.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/19074953482808.jpg?v=1759138941"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/chris-masters.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}