Sean Scalmer is a professor of history at the University of Melbourne and a fellow of the Academy of Social Science in Australia. He researches the history of social movements and democracy, considering both the national history of Australia and transnational and comparative histories. He has written seven books, including the prize-winning On the Stump (2017), Gandhi in the West (2011), Dissent Events (2002) and The Little History of Australian Unionism (2006).

'The campaign to limit labour time and win leisure for the workers is the most significant of the Australian union movement's past achievements and continuing struggles. Every Australian who has ever enjoyed a lazy Saturday afternoon barbecue, a day at the footy or a week down the coast should read this splendid book.' - Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History at the Australian National University'A work of history that is both reflective and urgent... As much as it is a historical account of Australia's leading role in reducing working hours across the world, it is also a call to action for a new generation of working people to rediscover the fight...a timely gift indeed.' - Australian Book Review'Sean Scalmer has done the movement a great service with this book. It is an invaluable contribution to the struggle of working people to reclaim their own lives from the incessant demands of those employers who would claim more and more of our time for their own.' - Michele O'Neil, President, Australian Council of Trade Unions.'Clearly argued, timely, social history.' - The Age'Scalmer...has given us a deeply researched account of all the Australian campaigns to wrest control of working hours from different employers over the last 150 years; and has contextualised them within the evolving social norms about the relationship between work, rest and play.' - Belinda Probert, 'Recorder', no. 313 (Official newsletter of the Melbourne Labour History Society)