Book excerpt: Filled with stories from regular Australians about life since World War Two and woven throughout with William's own anecdotes and observations, THE MAKING OF MODERN AUSTRALIA pieces together the celebrations, sorrows and spirit of the last fifty years to offer a national picture of our past and present. Told through four main themes of romance, religion, family and home, this is our story. From the trepidation of the outbreak of armed conflict to the multicultural melting pot of postwar migration, to falling in and out of love and religion, to the changes in parenting and family relations, THE MAKING OF MODERN AUSTRALIA reveals a very personal view of our country. Inspired by the major ABC TV documentary series of the same name which is narrated by William McInnes and produced by Essential Media and Entertainment.