The House of Packer

The House of Packer: The Making of A Media Empire

Bridget Griffen-Foley

Australia’s richest man, Kerry Packer, came to the helm of Australian Consolidated Press a quarter of a century ago; in recent years his son, James, has begun taking over the reins of the dynasty. But despite the legendary reputation of Kerry Packer and his father Sir Frank, and the popular fascination with young James, the story of how ACP came to be the behemoth it is today has never been told. This is the first book ever written about the creation of one of Australia’s foremost media empires.

This book also examines a series of often bizarre industrial disputes; tells how the company’s political stance inspired savage attacks from both sides of politics; and charts the vigorous, and at times highly amusing, rivalry with the Fairfax and Murdoch dynasties.

For better or worse, the House of Packer has made, and continues to make, a considerable contribution to Australia’s public culture. Here is how it all began.

Great account about the rise of a famous family