Denis Glover, Charles Brasch, Ian Milner – these names have long been familiar to New Zealanders. Less well known is their contemporary friend, journalist Douglas Brass, who’s remarkable four-decade career gave him a unique view of a turbulent period in world history. Brass reported extensively and intelligently on post-war Europe and established himself as an admired royal correspondent. He went on to become Rupert Murdoch’s eminence grise, was editorial director of News Limited and played a major role in the establishment of The Australian. His powerful columns opposing Australia’s participation in the Vietnam War were extremely influential. Yet this prominent journalist, so close to the making of history, remains virtually unknown in his own country.