'John Hirst was a singular historian – a scholar of incisive intelligence and originality, never satisfied with conventional wisdom; a public commentator and controversialist of strong civic conscience; and a gifted teacher and generous colleague who remained steadfast in his calling. He cared little for honours and awards, and rejected all invitations to become a professor. Yet his influence on the profession as a graduate supervisor, head of his department at La Trobe University, and editor of this journal for six years, was profound. He did much more than his share of examining theses, reading manuscripts, and promoting shared endeavours.' (Introduction)