Dr. Cam Coventry is an historian interested in how the past relates to the present, particularly through popular historical knowledge. Since he began historical research in 2016 his primary concern has been the divide between the image and reality of history.

Among his better-known works is an article on Bob Hawke, a divisive former prime minister of Australia and trade union leader, who was a key informer for the United States. A second article – on the discrepancies with Hawke’s famous Guinness beer record set in Oxford – received the John Barrett Award in 2024.

Cam’s other works of history discuss the importance of British slavery in Australian history, the social history of Keynesianism, middle-class masculinity, the reformation of the intelligence and security apparatus, Winston Churchill, environmental and heritage conservation, the Iraq War and his own family history.

Cam was awarded a doctorate from Federation University, which he completed in 2023 on a full scholarship. Earlier, he received a master’s research degree from the University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy, as well as bachelor degrees in Arts and Laws from the Australian National University and Adelaide University. Prior to his academic career he worked in national politics.

Born in Adelaide, Australia, in 1991, Cam has lived in Canberra, Melbourne, Ballarat and in New Zealand on the edge of Fiordland National Park. He now lives in South London, along with his wife and three children, where he enjoys domesticity and catching up on things he’s missed.