The Idealist is Nicholas Jose’s first novel since Original Face (2005) and continues the themes of his novels Paper Nautilus (1987) and Avenue of Eternal Peace (1989), exploring Australia’s place in the world in times of conflict, and the changes wrought in the lives of individuals who are impacted by them.

He has published seven novels, and three collections of short stories, including Bapo (2014). His non-fiction includes Chinese Whispers: Cultural Essays and an acclaimed memoir, Black Sheep: Journey to Borroloola. He has written widely on contemporary Asian and Australian culture.

He was Cultural Counsellor at the Australian Embassy Beijing from 1987-1990 and Chair of Australian Studies at Harvard University. He was general editor of The Literature of Australia (Norton 2009). He is an Adjunct Professor in the Writing and Society Research Centre, Western Sydney University and Emeritus Professor of English and Creative Writing at The University of Adelaide.

Jane Lydon is the Wesfarmers Chair of Australian History at the University of Western Australia, and currently serves as the Chair of History (2016-2018).

Jane wrote The Flash of Recognition, published by NewSouth in 2012.