The Prize for a First Book of History: Judges 2004

Michael Evans

Michael Evans is a historian with more than 20 years' experience in creating an awareness of the vitality of history amongst the widest possible audiences. He has practised as a historian in museums and community organisations in Victoria, New Zealand and the Northern Territory and is currently Executive Officer of the History Trust of Victoria, an organisation whose role is to raise the profile of history in both schools and the wider community.

Robyn Annear

Robyn Annear worked as a volunteer on the Little Lon archaeological dig in 1988 where she discovered the perfect means to blend her lightning keyboard skills, muscular physique and interest in history. After a few years as an archaeological Girl Friday, she settled in Castlemaine, started a family and wrote her first book. Bearbrass: Imagining Early Melbourne won the AA Phillips Award for Australian Studies in the 1995 Victorian Premier's Literary Awards. She subsequently wrote Nothing but Gold: The Diggers of 1852 and The Man Who Lost Himself: The Unbelievable Story of the Tichborne Claimant followed. She is currently working on a book about Whelan the Wrecker.

Stuart Macintyre

Stuart Macintyre is Ernest Scott Professor of History, Dean of Arts and Laureate Professor at the University of Melbourne. His books include A Colonial Liberalism; A History for a Nation; The Reds: The Communist Party of Australia from origins to illegality and The History Wars.