This collection investigates the comedic persona and cultural impact of Norman Gunston, the iconic Australian television character created by Garry McDonald. The authors, Bill Harding and Garry McDonald, utilize transcripts, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and character history to document the evolution of the bumbling, inquisitive interviewer. The work serves as a retrospective on the satirical television landscape of 1970s Australia, framing Gunston as a mirror to the social and political absurdities of the era.

The subject matter points to a nostalgic, archival-focused text that captures the specific comedic sensibilities of mid-1970s Australian media. The framing suggests an accessible, lighthearted look at a cultural phenomenon, intended for those interested in the history of television satire and character performance.