Not the first to delve into this complex life, Jim Griffin's biography is unique for exposing the Archbishop's human flaws, previously avoided or brushed over by other biographers. Giving Mannix credit for his many achievements, Griffin analyses controversies such as conscription in the Great War, State Aid for Catholic schools and his association with entrepreneur John Wren.

The book also examines Mannix's fateful connection with B.A.Santamaria, who formed an undercover organisation, The Movement, to fight communism in the unions. This produced damaging splits in the Church, the Labor Party and even families. It contributed to 17 years of government by the Liberal and Country Parties until the resurgence of Labor under Gough Whitlam in 1972.

Beautifully written from an acerbic distance, this biography should appeal to those interested in how this nation was shaped, how its values and institutions were influenced by the life of this extraordinary man whose legacy is described in Paul Ormonde's concluding chapter.