Cosgrove
Patrick Lindsay
Random House
290 pages, $34.95
Volume 11, No. 45, June 15, 2006

IT’S the biography that had to happen; we just had to wait a bit for it.

Former print and television journalist Patrick Lindsay has added what undoubtedly will be another best-seller to his list of books with the release of Cosgrove, the story of how one man rose from the ranks of the ordinary to be an extraordinary leader and commander.

The book details the usual family history interwoven with the details of Cosgrove’s life and deeds. The author regularly breaks from his own narrative to include direct quotes from Cosgrove and people who have worked with him.

Nothing is hidden in this book, with the hazings at RMC in the 1960s and the difficulties of maintaining a career in the ADF all laid bare for the public to read.

Key points in Cosgrove’s career, such as his time in Vietnam, Timor Leste and as the CDF, are well covered and provide an excellent insight into his ethics and personal philosophy. Of key interest for ADF members are Cosgrove’s lessons learnt, which are liberally scattered throughout the book.

These insights give the reader a vivid understanding of the man, and provide many motivational and leadership tips that are well worth emulating.

Defence personnel may find the book simple in style, but the use of basic and explanatory military expressions makes the book accessible to the greater public. The book is an easy read and will undoubtedly find its way onto the bookshelves of thousands of current, future and ex-ADF members.

While the price of the book may seem a bit high, the book itself sets a high standard for Australian biographies. An inspiring read.

– Lt Cameron Jamieson

.