Through the creation of new scholarly approaches to Australian writing and the dissemination of Australian literary works, the Centre and the anthology aim to reinvigorate interest in Australian literature; to deepen the knowledge of the various regional, intercultural and local traditions within that literature; and to provide a resource for contemporary Australian writers, artists, and universities. As well, it is hoped that the project will promote linkages between Australian publishers, writers and universities.

This project had its inception in 2003 when Nicholas Jose and Mary Cunnane, then President and Vice President respectively of International PEN Sydney Centre, observed that many of the works of Australia’s most important writers were out of print or otherwise inaccessible. Following the success of an application for an Australian Research Council Linkage grant announced in October 2006, work has begun on compiling a 600,000-word volume (some 1500 pages) with texts arranged chronologically (based on date of first publication). ‘Australian’ is defined as writing by someone born or living in or writing about Australia.

Works included in the anthology may be speeches, comical or devotional writing, film screenplays, translations or letters, as well as biography, drama and novel extracts, poetry and short stories. Consideration will be given to classics and familiar names that readers may expect to find. The approach will value capaciousness, merit and cultural significance as hallmarks, aiming for a volume with a wide and lively range of texts for our time. In addition, the volume will include biographical details about the authors of the works selected, an introductory essay, major essays setting the works in their historical context and suggestions for further reading. A password-protected website will also be created which wil provide a teaching manual and include additional texts.

In redressing the disappearance from print of a wide range of Australian literature and the subsequent decline in knowledge of, and engagement with, Australia’s literary traditions, the anthology will be a major contribution to our national cultural infrastructure, an authoritative work of reference and a stimulating introduction to Australian creativity.

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