In June 1999, at the height of his career, Tim Fischer announced his resignation from politics, giving it all up for his family. This volume presents a candid account of the life and career of Fischer, one of Australia's best-known politicians, and a man who, for many years, had bridged the gap between urban and rural Australia. It traces his rise through State and Federal politics and describes how, in response to criticism that he was short on leadership charisma, he fashioned an idiosyncratic image for himself. His trademark hat and love of trains, and his long-term commitment to Asia were to transform him into a more respected and indeed, much-loved politician by the time he quit.