Covering a century of the Australian Labor Party, from its roots in the strikes of the 1890s to what was then the present day of 1991, "The Light on the hill" is a big book; it has to be to cover the history of the ALP.

In addition to the talk of party greats, including Watson, Scullin, Curtin, Chifley (who coined the term "the light on the hill"), Whitlam et al., there is also mention of the nearly men, including those destined for greatness but for an early death, as well as references to those lost to history, including the only Australian politician to be tarred and feathered.

"The light on the hill" needs an update but until then, this is worth hunting down for a look at Australia's most enduring political party. ( )