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Booked out

The Seymour Biography Lecture provides eminent 'life writers', living in Australia and elsewhere, with an opportunity to explore the business and craft of biography, autobiography or memoir. 

In 2023, the lecture will be delivered by Professor Chris Wallace.

A reception with complimentary drinks and canapes will take place in the National Library Foyer following the event.

Entry is free to this event but bookings are essential.

For those who cannot make it to Canberra, the talk will be available to view live online via the Library's Facebook and YouTube pages. You do not need to book a ticket to watch the event online.

The Seymour Biography Lecture is supported by Dr John Seymour and Mrs Heather Seymour AO.

About Professor Chris Wallace

Professor Chris Wallace is a political historian and biographer and is in the School of Politics Economics and Society, Faculty of Business Government and Law at the University of Canberra. Her books include Political Lives: Australian Prime Ministers and Their Biographers  (UNSW Press, 2023), How To Win An Election  (NewSouth, 2020), The Private Don  (Allen & Unwin, 2004), Greer: Untamed Shrew  (Pan Macmillan, 1997) and Hewson, A Portrait  (Pan Macmillan, 1993). Wallace was formerly a longstanding member of the Canberra Press Gallery, and her political analysis and commentary currently appears in Nikkei Asia, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Saturday Paper and The Conversation.

About the Seymour Biography Lecture

The annual lecture, with associated activities, including seminars and workshops, was hosted by the Biography Institute at the Humanities Research Centre between 2005–2009. 

In 2010, the Lecture moved to the National Library of Australia as part of the Seymours’ ongoing sponsorship and support program. The Seymours also sponsor a Summer Scholarship in Biography at the National Library for young postgraduate students. 

Learn more about the Seymour Biography Lecture and previous speakers. 

Buy Political Lives: Australian Prime Ministers and Their Biographers

Type Seymour Biography Lecture