My copy of David Marr's new book, The Henson Case, arrived this morning, and I have just finished reading it. Extracts are printed in tomorrow's Good Weekend supplement in the Fairfax papers, and its publication will no doubt herald more debate around the issues of child protection, freedom of expression, art and Bill Henson.

One can hope for sensible debate in the midst of the heat. I always do. In the meantime, I recommend Marr's book for its clear, dispassionate analysis of how this great national uproar unfolded. It's mandatory reading for anyone who seeks to discern the facts amid the fuss.