The Oxford Companion to Australian Literature - Softcover

Wilde, William H.; Hooton, Joy; Andrews, Barry

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195532732 ISBN 13: 9780195532739

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1991

Synopsis

A comprehensive account of Australian literature from the first settlement in 1788 to the current day, this book represents the most important achievements in Australian poetry, drama, and fiction as well as non-fictional prose--journals, diaries, biographies, and autobiographies--and details the impact on the writing caused by those historical events that often serve as a work's theme. More than 3,000 informative entries cover subjects such as transportation, exploration, gold discoveries, bushranging, and outback ethos, all of which played a part in the development of the continent's literature as did the pervasive presence and influence of the Aboriginal culture.
Entries range from lengthy articles on special topics to brief factual paragraphs explaining words or references. Also provided is information and reference sources on important past and contemporary writers as well as anything and everything that may have influenced their development: the growth of publishing and periodicals; the impact of movements such as nationalism, racialism, and feminism; and the contributions made by booksellers, critics, and literary associations. A major new Oxford Companion, this book makes an intriguing new genre of literature accessible to all readers.

About this title

About the Author:

William Wilde is Emeritus Professor, and Joy Hooton Associate Professor at the Australian Defense Force Academy's Department of English, Canberra.

Review:

Praise for the first edition: "A superb reference work....A joy to read and use."--American Reference Books Annual

"Will be a standard reference work in the field of Australian literature for the next decade at least."--World Literature Today

"This is a useful, interesting, informative, reliable, time-saving, beautiful and, for many, indispensable book. Barry Andrews was one of the most knowledgeable and one of the funniest scholars in Australian literature."--The Age

"Another fine example of an Oxford Companion....It is difficult to surpass the scope and authority of this work. Academic and large public libraries that wish to have some reference tool on Australian literature should begin here."--Library Journal

"A very thorough and up-to-date source, particularly valuable for information on the current literary scene in Australia and indispensable for academic and public libraries."--Choice

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0195532732
• ISBN 13: 9780195532739
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 772