While Brian Fitzpatrick has today fallen into relative obscurity, efforts persist in discrediting Manning Clark's name. ""Against the Grain"" examines the dual careers of Fitzpatrick and Clark as activists and historians during the Cold War, and shows the political and personal difficulties that beset both men throughout their careers. Contributors Stuart Macintyre, James Waghorne, Ann Curthoys, Mark McKenna, Roger Douglas, Sheila Fitzpatrick, Mark Finnane, John Myrtle, Carolyn Rasmussen, Jill Roe and others critically observe the men's legacy and the value of their work to future generations. The collection also includes memoirs of Fitzpatrick and Clark by their daughters Sheila and Katerina, and Beverley Kingston and Nicholas Brown.