These are dangerous times, argues prize-winning cartoonist and commentator John Spooner. Australia and the Western world have been let down by both the Left and Right of politics. During more than 40 years of drawing for The Age, Spooner has confronted some of the most controversial political, social and economic issues of our era. He explains how his views about journalism, political correctness, terrorism, free trade and global warming have gradually diverged from received wisdom. 

Spooner seeks to clarify the position of so-called ‘climate deniers’, ‘protectionists’ and media ‘pluralists’. He contends that Australia’s one trillion dollar foreign debt, its ludicrous energy poverty and confusion about free speech are disappointingly linked to a decline in journalistic ideals. 

In words and images Spooner hopes to answer the question ‘what the hell was he thinking?’ His book contains more than 250 cartoons, drawings, etchings and paintings. And he also offers his insights and advice on the various techniques involved in these images, from pencil, pen and ink, water colour work and intaglio printmaking to just ‘getting an idea’.