The book takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the corridors of parliament as seen through the eyes of a practitioner of thirty years' experience in the 'bear pit' on Macquarie Street. The author's seven years as one of its most highly regarded Speakers provides the background for this detailed and informative study of parliamentary practices and procedures. It lifts the veil on much that mystifies the outsider. It is a valuable source of information for those who are aspiring to enter parliament or are already in parliament, for those who are interested in studying parliament purely out of interest or as part of a formal course, and for those who wish to influence their parliament in the development of public policy.