K.J. Mason taught in New South Wales and Queensland for 40 years and has written numerous history textbooks, most notably Experience of Nationhood and Republic to Reich. In 2006 James was awarded an OAM in the General Division for services to secondary education and in particular the teaching and writing of history.

The Nelson Modern History series is an extensive suite of full colour topic books developed for Australian senior students. Each title draws on recent scholarship, historiography and history specific pedagogy to ensure relevance and teachability. Providing flexibility for schools and students, Nelson Modern History is the up to date and relevant history education solution for senior students

The front cover of each title features a line drawing associated with the topic. Functioning as a topic starter, this iconic image is unpacked with a photograph and commentary with a link to a key individual and an illustrated timeline

The introduction to each book includes a brief overview of the topic and a handy reference sequence that includes profiles of major figures and organisations, definitions of key concepts and summaries of major documents

Each chapter is structured around inquiry questions and includes age appropriate language, recent research in the field, diagrams, maps and illustrations, biographical profiles that incorporate activities and discussions of historians and schools of interpretation

Chapters close with a topic summary, suggestions for further reading and review activities that consolidate content knowledge and build historical skills

Each title closes with a brief summation and a set of activities that encourage students to draw on their learning and reflect on the topic as a whole.