Moving in the open daylight: Doc Evatt, an Australian at the United Nations, by Ashley Hogan with a foreword by Michael Kirby.
The year was 1945. The place was San Francisco. The topic was the world. Ashley Hogan tells the story of a moment in human history when Australia became known for its courage and liberalism. At the conference that founded the United Nations, Australia spoke to the Great Powers on behalf of the other nations of the world with a voice that commanded universal respect. That voice belonged to Dr Herbert Vere Evatt. Three years later, Doc Evatt’s commitment to an international order that included all nations would be recognised by his election as President of the General Assembly. His belief that lasting peace could not be secured without economic and social justice flowered into the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Moving in the open daylight is a short book about a big story. For a world that has once again become rent by inequality and war, it is an important and inspiring story.
‘Evatt’s role in the establishment of the United Nations has legendary status. This succinct and measured account gives substance to that legend, showing how the foreign minister of a small and distant country spoke up for internationalism in the post-war settlement. It records his determination to secure the rule of law, the principles of democracy and the universality of human rights.’
– Stuart Macintyre, Ernest Scott Professor of History at the School of Historical Studies, University of Melbourne
‘I warmly remember Doc Evatt as a courageous fighter for freedom and justice. In recalling the Doc’s magnificent role in the formation of the United Nations, Ashley Hogan tells an international story about Australia in which all citizens can take pride and inspiration.’
– Tom Uren AO, former Labor Member of Parliament (1958–1990) and Minister in the Whitlam (1972–1975) and Hawke Governments (1983–1987)
About the author
Ashley Hogan has an honors degree in Australia history, is a former postgraduate at the University of New South Wales and has previously published on gender and class in colonial society.
Hogan, Ashley, Moving in the open daylight: Doc Evatt, an Australian at the United Nations, Sydney University Press, Sydney, pbk, x+73 pp. RRP: $26.95. Our price: $19.99 (minus discount for Evatt members).
ISBN: 978-1920899288
