John Pilger: 6 books by controversial journalist and campaigner

John Pilger, the renowned Australian investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker, has died at the age of 84, his family confirmed. In a statement posted on X, they said he had passed away on December 30th, adding, “His journalism and documentaries were celebrated around the world, but to his family he was simply the most amazing and loved Dad, Grandad and partner.” We look at some of his books that received high praise and was lauded for their stance.

The campaigner was known for his advocacy for social justice, Indigenous rights, and environmental protection, but was later criticised for his support of several extremist figures.

Who was John Pilger?

Born in Bondi, New South Wales in 1939, John Pilger was renowned for his extensive contributions as a journalist, writer, scholar, and documentary filmmaker. Having lived in Britain since 1962, he gained prominence and recognition on both sides of the globe. As a journalist, Pilger had been honoured with Britain’s Journalist of the Year Award in 1967 and 1979. He is celebrated for his investigative reporting, which has consistently exposed power imbalances and injustices. His notable work includes uncovering stories such as the Cambodian genocide, drawing crucial attention to pressing global issues. Pilger also made significant contributions to various publications, including the Daily Mirror, Reuters, and New Statesman.

In his capacity as a filmmaker, Pilger created award-winning documentaries such as “The War You Don’t See” and “Palestine is Still the Issue.” Through his films, he delved into social and political themes, challenging mainstream narratives and providing insightful perspectives on global conflicts and power dynamics.

Read: Syrian civil war books: ten years on after Ghouta chemical attack

In recent times, Pilger has garnered significant attention for his outspoken support of Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks. Assange presently finds himself detained in Belmarsh Prison, where he is engaged in a legal battle against extradition to the US. The extradition request pertains to charges linked to the publication of a vast trove of classified documents in 2010 and 2011.

While Pilger was a staunch critic of Western foreign policy, particularly regarding its imperialist and colonialist tendencies, in later years, his viewpoint was thought to have become more extreme. At times, he was seen as a controversial figure due to his lack of critical scrutiny and support of figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and the former Serbian leader and war criminal Slobodan Milosevic.

Best books by John Pilger:

Here are some acclaimed books by John Pilger, each offering a unique perspective on the world:

• Hidden Agendas (1998). This compilation of essays delves into the hidden influences that shape our world, encompassing everything from media manipulation to resource exploitation. It constitutes a compelling critique of the existing order and serves as an impassioned plea for a fairer and more equitable society.
• The New Rulers of the World (2002). The book scrutinises the rise of corporate influence and its repercussions on democracy and human rights. Pilger unveils the complex machinations of multinational corporations. He also explains the methods through which they exert their sway over governments and societies.
• Tell Me No Lies: Investigative Journalism and its Triumphs (2004). This collection of Pilger’s investigative reports showcases his dedication to uncovering the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. He tackles issues like war crimes, environmental destruction, and political corruption, giving voice to the voiceless and holding the powerful accountable.

Read: Martin Amis: five best nonfiction books to explore

• Heroes (1986). This book tells the stories of ordinary people who have done extraordinary things in the face of oppression and injustice. From Nelson Mandela to Julian Assange, Pilger celebrates the courage and resilience of those who fight for a better world.
• A Secret Country (2005). This book is a personal and political exploration of Australia, Pilger’s home country. He examines the country’s history of colonialism, racism, and environmental exploitation, and calls for a more honest and just future for its people.
• Distant Voices (1992). This book is a collection of Pilger’s journalism, offering a comprehensive view of his investigative reporting on a range of international issues, from war and politics to human rights and social justice.

His vast body of work is still worth considering, despite his clearly problematic links later on in life. It is important to maintain a critical eye when reading any writing and, therefore, to check out these books while understanding the context in which they were written.

Check out: Benjamin Zephaniah: 7 books and poems to remember legacy

This article contains affiliate links via Bookshop.org in which we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you, in order to support local bookshops. We have not been commissioned to review books and services.