In the first of four volumes on the Howard Government's nearly 12 years in office, The Ascent to Power covers the 1996 election and the practical challenges of the Coalition's first year in power, including its handling of the Port Arthur massacre, relationships with the Australian Public Service, management of Senate crossbenchers, and reversing the budget 'black hole' and repaying government debt.

With contributions from John Howard, Liberal and Labor politicians, media commentators, key public servants, and academics, The Ascent to Power takes a critical look at the Howard Government's rise to power, its performance, successes, shortcomings, and failures, in what Paul Kelly calls the 'foundational year'.

Drawing on unpublished documents from John Howard's papers held at UNSW Canberra, the book will shape future assessments of the Howard Government and help determine its enduring place in Australian history.