The Fairytale: A Real and Imagined History of Australian Sport

For more than thirty years, H. G. Nelson has been finding the poetry in the punt and humour during half-time. Now, he turns his keen eye for facts and folly to the illustrious history of our great nation.

In his trademark fast and furious style, H. G. touches on the most important moments that have formed Australian society, ranging from music to war to politics to culture and far beyond. He reminds us of our leaders’ great sporting triumphs, from Harold Holt’s swimming to John Howard’s bowling; rewrites the record on legends such ‘Aussie Joe’ Bugner and Jack Brabham; and explains why Australia’s reality TV is the best in the world.

The Fairytale is H. G’s magnum opus - an all-encompassing, no-holds-barred history of our great nation, told through the stories of our sporting highs, lows and middles.