The Rudd Years. Mysterious. Baffling. Sensual. What can be said about this most riveting and magical period in Australian history? Lots of stuff, and Ben Pobjie has said it all. The Unofficial Court Historian of Australia here collects the very best of his prize-mentioning columns from New Matilda. Chronicling the momentous events of 2008-2010, Pobjie incisively dissects affairs of government, religion, society and entertainment with a ready wit, a bushel-full of insight, and a few jokes about ferrets. It’s all here – sex, violence, climate change, insulation, whaling, Obama, China, reality TV, Islam, Scientology, Abbott, dwarfs, and prime ministerial mood swings.

For those who wish to know the real story of modern-day Australia, for those who yearn to see the human experience perfectly encapsulated like never before, and for those who feel the need to laugh in the face of insanity, Surveying the Wreckage is all they’ll need, encased in a handy book-shaped package for maximum holdability and using only the highest-quality English-language words to enhance understandableness.

Impress your friends and local MPs – survey the wreckage today!