Blunders, stuff-ups and misjudgements are a part of any country's history. Dwelling on what might have been isn't always helpful, but recognising our mistakes and learning from them is important. In this highly original and provocative book leading Australian historians attempt to do just that. Many stories, scenarios and situations are explored with verve, compassion and insight. The Great Mistakes of Australian History is a lively and provocative account of where we might have got it wrong, written so that next time we can get it right.

'If only', 'what if' and 'why didn't we' are phrases that often come to mind when we look back to the past. This exciting and stimulating book looks back at turning points and crucial moments in Australian history. Rather than arguing that there have been forks on a pre-determined road, the book challenges us to think about other paths or better paths that might have led to different outcomes. It shows that a decisive event often becomes so only in retrospect and that what seemed like a major turning point at the time often had no real impact at all.