Robert Manne is one of Australia's best-known public intellectuals. He has written 25 books, the latest of which – The Mind of the Islamic State. Robert was born to Jewish refugee parents in Melbourne in 1947. His books and essays have won various awards including the Washington National Intelligence Center Prize; the Alfred Deakin Prize (jointly); and the Queensland Premier's Prize for a work advancing public debate.
Peter Byrne has narrated many books for Bolinda including biographies, fiction and an extended series of Quarterly Essays. Peter has also narrated a considerable number of non-fiction works focusing on wartime conflicts and the military, encompassing Vietnam, the Middle East and Gallipoli. Peter divides his time between Melbourne and the Goldfields region of central Victoria.