Bestseller vs. Flop: A Tale of Two Prime Ministers
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s new book on Australian history, titled “Australia: A History,” has achieved remarkable success in the literary market. As of February 23, 2026, the book has generated over $2 million in sales, making it a significant bestseller.
Bestseller vs. Flop: Comparing Two Ex-Prime Ministers
Reports indicate that Abbott’s book sold around 65,000 copies shortly after its release, as noted by Sky News. Harper Collins, the publisher of Abbott’s work, highlighted this impressive figure as a sign of both the book’s popularity and the public’s interest in Australia’s historical narrative.
Scott Morrison’s Religious Book: A Different Story
In contrast, former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s religious-themed book, “Plans For Your Good: A Prime Minister’s Testimony of God’s Faithfulness,” has not performed as well. Released in 2024 by Thomas Nelson, another Harper Collins imprint, Morrison’s book sold only 3,630 copies, accumulating approximately $113,000 in sales by mid-February 2026.
- Sales Breakdown for Morrison’s Book:
- Hardback copies sold: 290
- Paperback copies sold: 3,340
While Abbott’s success reflects a positive reception for historical literature, Morrison’s work seems to have flopped by comparison. Although Morrison’s book was expected to target the U.S. audience and featured a foreword by former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, it appears to have garnered limited consumer interest.
Industry Insights
Publishing industry insights from NielsenIQ indicate that these figures may not capture the complete sales universe, particularly regarding online and religious distribution channels for Morrison’s book. This leaves open the possibility that actual sales could vary significantly from reported figures.
Implications for Authors
Despite the uncertainty about the financial success of Morrison’s book, industry sources suggest that Abbott likely benefits from a standard publishing contract, earning around 10% of the cover price after recovering an advance fee. This suggests that Abbott’s venture into authorship has proven to be financially rewarding.
Political Engagements
Meanwhile, state leaders such as NSW Premier Chris Minns and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan have been active in their political circles, meeting with influential figures from News Corp. These meetings, evidenced in their diary disclosures, reveal ongoing discussions about public affairs and policy.
In conclusion, the literary journeys of both Abbott and Morrison elucidate the stark contrasts between success and failure in the publication realm. Abbott’s bestseller stands as a testament to the appeal of historical narratives, while Morrison’s book highlights the challenges of connecting with readers in a crowded market.
