✍️ Author Biography
📅 1933 – 2000
🌍 Scottish
📚 4 free books
⭐ Known for: Getting Even: Women MPs on Life, Power and...
Anne Henderson is an Australian author and editor known for biographies and historical analyses, particularly of political figures.
Anne Henderson, born Anne Elizabeth Henderson (née Keppel) in 1949, is an Australian writer and editor based in Sydney, having previously lived in Melbourne. She received her education at the University of Melbourne and dedicated seventeen years of her career, from 1971 to 1989, to teaching across various Australian states. Henderson holds a significant role as the deputy director of The Sydney Institute, where she also serves as the editor of its publication, The Sydney Papers, and is a co-editor of The Sydney Institute Quarterly. She is married to Gerard Henderson, the executive director of The Sydney Institute.
Her literary output includes several notable biographies and historical works. Among her published books are titles such as 'Getting Even: Women MPs on Life, Power and Politics', 'From All Corners: Six Migrant Stories', 'Educating Johannah: A Year in Year 12', and 'Mary MacKillop's Sisters: A Life Unveiled'. She has also authored biographies of specific individuals, including Joyce Harmer and Sister Irene McCormack. Henderson has contributed essays to various collections and publications, including 'Fathers: In Writing' and 'Australian Prime Ministers'. Her work has also been featured in the 'New Dictionary of National Biography'.
Henderson's more recent biographical works delve into prominent Australian political figures. These include 'Dame Enid Lyons: Leading Lady to a Nation' (2008) and 'Joseph Lyons: The People's Prime Minister' (2011). Her 2014 publication, 'Menzies at War', was recognized with a shortlist nomination for the Prime Minister's Literary Award for History. In 2023, she released 'Menzies Versus Evatt: The Great Rivalry of Australian Politics'. Henderson also contributes articles to major Australian newspapers and journals. In recognition of her contributions to literature and public discourse, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2015.
Author and Editorial Roles
Anne Henderson is a prominent Australian writer and editor with a significant presence in public intellectual life. She serves as the deputy director of The Sydney Institute, a role that places her at the forefront of policy discussion and analysis. Within the institute, she holds the position of editor for 'The Sydney Papers', a key publication of the organization. Additionally, Henderson contributes as a co-editor for 'The Sydney Institute Quarterly', further solidifying her editorial influence. Her background includes extensive experience as a teacher, having worked in education for seventeen years across multiple Australian states between 1971 and 1989. Henderson's personal life is connected to her professional sphere, as she is married to Gerard Henderson, the executive director of The Sydney Institute.
Literary Contributions and Themes
Anne Henderson's body of work primarily focuses on biographical and historical narratives, often centering on Australian political and social figures. Her published books include 'Getting Even: Women MPs on Life, Power and Politics', 'From All Corners: Six Migrant Stories', and 'Educating Johannah: A Year in Year 12'. She has also penned 'Mary MacKillop's Sisters: A Life Unveiled', offering insights into religious and social history. Further biographical works include 'Angel in the Court: The Life of Major Joyce Harmer' and 'The Killing of Sister McCormack', detailing the lives and circumstances of significant individuals. Henderson's essays have appeared in various collections, such as 'Fathers: In Writing', and she has contributed biographical chapters on Prime Ministers Joseph Lyons and Menzies to edited volumes and national biographical dictionaries.
Focus on Political Biography
A significant portion of Anne Henderson's authorial focus has been dedicated to the lives and careers of Australian Prime Ministers and key political figures. Her biography of Dame Enid Lyons, 'Dame Enid Lyons: Leading Lady to a Nation', was published in 2008. This was followed by 'Joseph Lyons: The People's Prime Minister' in 2011, which was launched by former Prime Minister John Howard. Henderson's exploration of twentieth-century Australian politics continued with 'Menzies at War' (2014), a work that earned a nomination for the Prime Minister's Literary Award for History. Her most recent book in this vein, 'Menzies Versus Evatt: The Great Rivalry of Australian Politics' (2023), examines a pivotal period of political contestation. Henderson also regularly contributes political commentary and analysis to major Australian publications.