In a time of spin and media management, it is refreshing to read a book written by a politician setting out core beliefs. Cory Bernardi has done this in The Conservative Revolution. Its launch was greeted with reports of his support for a completely free market in labour relations, his opposition to abortion, and his dislike of homosexuality. Many presented his views as the extreme statements of a maverick, and some from his own side of politics joined in the attack. The prime minister was more muted in his comments.