Don Bradman Challenging the Myth [Paperback]

This fascinating 2003 book takes a very different look at Australia's all-time sporting hero, Sir Donald Bradman.This fascinating book takes a very different look at Australia's most popular sporting hero, Sir Donald Bradman. Unlike the mostly reverent literature on 'The Don', this book explains how Bradman's iconic status was created and sustained, and what his popularity and heroism say about the meaning of Australian nationhood. Brett Hutchins' unique analysis reveals the mythical character of so many representations of the Don, and connects them to broader social phenomena and the cultural contexts in which they were created.This fascinating book takes a very different look at Australia's most popular sporting hero, Sir Donald Bradman. Unlike the mostly reverent literature on 'The Don', this book explains how Bradman's iconic status was created and sustained, and what his popularity and heroism say about the meaning of Australian nationhood. Brett Hutchins' unique analysis reveals the mythical character of so many representations of the Don, and connects them to broader social phenomena and the cultural contexts in which they were created.Unlike the mostly reverent literature on Australia's most popular sporting hero, this book explains how Sir Donald Bradman's iconic status was created and sustained. How does his popularity and heroism relate to Australian nationhood? Brett Hutchins' unique analysis reveals the mythical character of so many representations of the Don, and connects them to broader social phenomena and the cultural contexts in which they were created.1. Our one national hero?; 2. Looking for heroes; 3. The boy from Bowral; 4. Bodyline and myth; 5. An insatiable demand; 6. Political connections; 7. Never quite typical; 8. Conclusion.'Much seems to have been written about Sir Donald Bradman; in fact, it is mostly the same things repeated endlessly. Brett Hutchins' book is different. It is a timely, fresh and judicious appraisal of the idea of Bl$