Creator honoured as Melb shrine turns 80

The 80th anniversary of Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance will be marked with the release of a book about its creator.

General Sir John Monash opposed early plans for a cenotaph and instead garnered support and oversaw planning of the shrine as it is now, former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer says in a new book.

Mr Fischer has also used the book to call for a posthumous promotion for the general.

"In the book the role of John Monash persuading the Victorian state government no to proceed with a cenotaph in Spring Street is affirmed in favour of creating a shrine in alignment with Swanston Street in the Domain," Mr Fischer told AAP.

The shrine was deemed a much worthier monument than a simple cenotaph which would also have required the demolition of the Windsor Hotel, one of Melbourne's oldest buildings.

"His view was that it would be able to be far more substantial and allow for more ceremonial attendance on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day without closing off and jamming up half the city," Mr Fischer said.

"He was a giant Australian and a genius general to whom much is owed."

Mr Fischer said the book argues Sir John was discriminated against for being a militia reservist and not a Duntroon officer, for being of Prussian descent and for being Jewish.

The book, Maestor John Monash - Australia's Greatest Citizen General, is being launched on Monday by Liberal MP Josh Frydenberg, who wrote the foreword.

The shrine was officially dedicated on November 11, 1934.