Southerly busters Australian literature exhibition

A new Rare Books exhibition of Australian literature entitled “Southerly busters” is currently being displayed by Monash University Library at the Clayton campus.

The exhibition, which was opened last week by Professor Peter Pierce of the Monash Centre for Australian Studies, highlights the Rare Books Collection’s wide holdings in Australian literature. On display are 130 items including classic works and those now forgotten.

All of the major 19th and 20th century writers are represented, from Charles Harpur, Henry Kendall, Adam Lindsay Gordon, Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson, to Patrick White and Helen Garner. Dorothea Mackellar is there with her famous poem, “I love a sunburnt country”. There is a selection of World War I poetry and a 1917 novel, The white feather, about the practice of shaming men into joining up.

A visual display features covers from the collection of Australian 1940s and 1950s pulp fiction. There is also a selection of 19th century Australian paperbacks, and early Australian novels set in the future.

Modern artist’s books and limited editions can also be seen. A virtual exhibition provides a preview of the exhibition.

“Southerly Busters” runs in the Exhibitions area, 1st floor, ISB wing of the Sir Louis Matheson Library until 1st March 2009. A free catalogue is available.

30 September 2008

current news : 2008 : 2007 : 2006 : 2005 : 2004 : 2003 : 2002 : pre-2002

Ask a question Phone +61 3 9905 5054 or use our enquiry services ask.monash for Monash students and staff | ask.monash for visitors, or online chat.
Your opinion Feedback form for Monash staff and students | Feedback form for visitors

Southerly busters, Sydney 1878