Many Australians will remember Expo 88, held during Australia’s bicentenary in 1988 and credited with Brisbane’s coming of age. But even more interesting is its background story.

Jackie Ryan has long made a study of Expo 88 and its gestation, and still has the season pass her parents gave her for Christmas in 1987; her book began as a University of Queensland PhD thesis in history and political science.

It is a fascinating account of the people and personalities, and the political will and intrigue that brought Expo 88 to fruition. Rules may not have been broken or bent, but participants admit they may have been ‘brent’.

Ryan writes that Expo defied problems, precedents and pundits to become the largest, longest and loudest of Australia’s bicentennial events. During its six-month run, more than 18 million visits were recorded, including repeat visits from season pass holders.

With a new premier firmly in charge, the corruption within the Queensland police and the State government came to a head during Expo with the Fitzgerald Inquiry, providing an interesting counterpoint to the happy atmosphere on the south bank of the Brisbane River.

Under Premier Sir John Bjelke-Petersen, the state had often been the subject of derision. It was perceived as corrupt and backward, a source of embarrassment kept locked in a national cupboard.

In compiling her book, Ryan has used much material written at the time and in the 30 years since, as well as interviews with many of the proponents and the people who ran Expo.

Unlike Ryan, I did not keep my season media pass but, like her, I made many visits, and well recall Expo 88’s delights, as well as Sir Joh’s loss of the leadership in November 1987, slightly distracting a preview media event.

Reviewed by Jennifer Somerville