Abstract
Australian economic history, a history that is 'Australian' not only in reference but also character, a history that shares little pedigree with British economic history, and remains apart from the practice of American economic history. This chapter tells the story of writing this history by means of a schema of four generations. In 1935 Shann lost 'life's unequal struggle', and from 1941 Fitzpatrick's attention wandered from economic history. The chapter discusses the two pre-eminent figures in this phase: Sydney James Butlin (1910-77) and his younger brother Noel. These two pre-eminent figures of the interwar period were shooting stars who made their mark in bursts of inspired ardour. The enduring market for popular Australian economic history contrasts with the increasingly embattled position of academic Australian economic history from the late 1980s. This beleaguered position has also been shared by Australian economics.
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