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Outsider is number one

A new biography about Sir John Monash has been written by author and Monash alumnus Mr Roland Perry (BEc 1973).

Monash: The Outsider Who Won a War documents the remarkable life and achievements of the man after whom the university was named.

Mr Perry's interest in the subject began when, at the age of 13, he asked his father to list three people he regarded as great Australians. His father named Sir John Monash as number one, followed by cricketer Sir Don Bradman and World War II veteran Sir Edward (Weary) Dunlop.

Mr Perry noted that while little had been published about Sir John, what material did exist featured a largely British perspective.

After nearly three years working on his book, Mr Perry now agrees with his father that Sir John Monash is truly the greatest Australian, whose life should be an inspiration to all.

"In terms of importance in Australian history, Monash is head and shoulders above the pack for his achievements in defeating tyranny and fighting for democracy," he said.

"Another reason is the way he overcame obstacles that stemmed from bigotry, prejudice, ignorance, racism and arrogance."

Author: Roland Perry

Mr Perry said many of the university's values of excellence, diversity, innovation and creativity, and its international focus, reflected Sir John's achievements.

"Monash nearly always strove for excellence in his life, beginning in school when he was Dux of Scotch College (in 1881), to the way he worked at his skill as a pianist as a teenager, and in his application in three degrees (Arts, Engineering and Law) at Melbourne University," he said.

"His obsession with detail, preparation and planning meant he was always looking to do his best, whether building a bridge or acting as a professional expert witness in court, or while commanding a battle on Gallipoli, in Flanders or on the Western Front in France."

A noted writer and author, Mr Perry has written 17 books including biographies of Sir Donald Bradman (The Don) and Shane Warne (Bold Warnie). His other books include Blood is a Stranger, Hidden Power and the international bestseller, Program for a Puppet.