MICHAEL WATERHOUSE has recreated a period that has been largely obscured by time and the destruction of records during the Second World War. In doing so, he has drawn on diverse and often unexpected sources, with insights gained from studies in anthropology at Sydney University and in economics and economic history at the ANU. His experience in senior positions with government (the Commonwealth Treasury) and in business (with Westpac and as a consultant) has also enabled him to explore the commercial, financial and government dimensions in depth.