Mannix (Brenda Niall, Text)

‘A disruptive force in Australia, an anti-British agitator in the United States, and a nightmare to the British government,’ writes biographer Brenda Niall of her subject, Archbishop Daniel Mannix. Born in Ireland in 1864, details of Mannix’s first 50 years remain sketchy. The Catholic Church sent Mannix to Australia in 1912, at the age of 49. He was soon involved in national issues, most notably the conscription referendum of 1916. Throughout his long career until his death at the age of 99, Mannix remained intellectually vigorous and active. His opinion had the power to shift votes and allegiances. Although his style was reserved and his humour dry, his politics often veered towards the progressive. He denounced the use of the atomic bomb, argued against the White Australia Policy and was concerned about Aboriginal welfare. Mannix was a complex and elusive character who kept his private self from view, seemingly shy and lonely. Brenda Niall works up an engaging and fascinating portrait, seen through Mannix’s involvement in key political and religious controversies. For readers interested in the political and cultural life of Australia during the first half of the 20th century, Niall’s highly readable biography will reward handsomely.

Chris Saliba is co-owner of North Melbourne Books and a freelance reviewer