Collection: Nonfiction

Amanda Goff was a successful journalist in London and Sydney before ditching her nine-to-five job at the age of 38 to become Samantha X, Australia's most famous escort. A bipolar diagnosis changed everything: she retired from sex work, walked away from Samantha X, and went in search of Amanda. Mi...

After all the build-up and focus on pregnancy and birth, the fourth trimester is often swept aside. But as every new mum knows, the first twelve weeks after birth are possibly the most challenging and important part of becoming a mum. Amelia Lamont’s book ensures you don’t have to go through them...

In 1973, Blue Poles, the iconic painting by America's great abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock, was acquired by the Australian government for A$1.4 million. This record-setting price for an artwork sparked a media sensation and controversy both in Australia and the United States. Blue Poles: ...

The incredible true story of how a street-fighting petty criminal, who was kicked out of school at fourteen, became one of Australia's most celebrated and successful portrait artists. Raised amid poverty and violence on the poor streets of Melbourne, Vincent Fantauzzo was just a boy when he accep...

From Amie McNee, the voice behind Inspired to Write, a manifesto on the vital, human importance of creating, with guidance for all artists in all endeavours, whether they're starting their journey or seeking a fresh perspective. In We Need Your Art, Amie McNee calls artists and aspiring artists o...

What went wrong? Australian governments promised to end violence against women and children in a single generation. Instead, it is escalating: men have been murdering women at an increased rate, coercive control and sexual violence are becoming more complex and severe, and we see a marked rise in...

If you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, conventional medications aren't always effective - and they often have disturbing side-effects. What if there was a completely different treatment?

To mark The Australia Institute's 30 years of big ideas, we have asked some of our good friends and leading thinkers from Australia and around the world to share a big idea for a better Australia. The Australia Institute has spent the last 30 years producing research that matters, and this anthol...

Have you ever felt like you're hurtling through the daily grind of life, unable to slow down or take a breath? Things might look good from the outside, but inside, you're running on empty with no time to reflect on what it's all for. Greatness is the antidote to this helpless, discontented feelin...

An expansive anthology of creative non-fiction, memoir, graphic storytelling and more from a stellar line-up of Autistic gender-diverse and women writers. While the 'nerdy white man' stereotype of Autism dominates in media and popular culture, other Autistic people miss out on seeing themselves, ...

Christine thought a year in South Korea would hit the pause button on her messy life. Her dad's death had left her anxious and depressed, and her career in musical theatre had reached a new low of shopping-centre kids' shows. When she found herself pulled over by the side of the road, dressed as ...

She dazzled Australia with her rebellious novel My Brilliant Career, inspiring generations of young women chafing under conventional expectations. Only 21, Miles Franklin was lauded as the Bronte of the bush, and feted by the rich and influential. But fame can be deceptive. In reality, the book e...

What happens when you want to stop feeling like you're never enough? A Good Girl is acutely aware of everyone's emotional state. Except her own. She was praised for not being difficult like other girls. She must never get too big for her boots and must always be grateful. So damn grateful. She ma...

The real story of how power works in this country ... In recent years, the trust in Australian politics and politicians has been at an all-time low. From political polarisation and the spread of disinformation to the lack of trust in the public institutions that underpin our government, the truth...

World of Rot takes readers on a deep dive into the process of decay, from the science behind it to an up-close and personal look at the organisms that do the dirty work to make our planet liveable. With a touch of humour and quirky full-colour illustrations, kids will learn about the life-recycli...

A unique non-fiction picture book that explores insect parasites that take control of other living creatures.

Embarking on a non-monogamous relationship can be a daunting experience, opening old wounds that cause anxiety, fear and confusion, something Lola Phoenix knows about all too well. In this all-you-need-to-know guide to exploring non-monogamy, polyamory and open relationships, Lola draws upon thei...

National Geographic Explorer and best-selling author Dan Buettner has travelled the globe to uncover the best strategies for longevity, which he found in the Blue Zones: places around the world where higher percentages of people enjoy remarkably long, full lives. In The Complete Blue Zones, Buett...

All aboard for a journey through time and across continents!Jam-packed with fascinating facts and bright illustrations, this is the captivating story of how trains have transformed our world. This book showcases the railway's incredible engineering breakthroughs - from the earliest trains used in...

Spanning the globe and thousands of years, Queer Mythology highlights the legends and tales of LGBTQIA+ gods, heroes, spirits and more. Myths and legends tell our stories. They connect us and show us not only who we are, but also reflect the people during the time the stories were first told. And...