Essays that Changed Australia: Meanjin 1940 to today

(Paperback)

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Since the 1940s, Meanjin essays have set the national cultural agenda. Arthur Phillips' idea of 'cultural cringe' has become a household word, instantly conveying Australians' sense of place in the world while expressing our frustrations and our ambitions - yet very few of us know it came from an essay first published in Meanjin. Over half a century later, Chelsea Watego's 2021 'Always bet on Black (power)' roars with the fire of a manifesto; Hilary Charlesworth's 1992 'A law of one's own' challenges Australia's legal system with a formidable feminist ethic; Tim Rowse's 1978 'Heaven and a Hills Hoist' passionately defends suburbia; David Yencken's 1988 'Creative City' sparks a global urban planning movement with artists at the centre. This anthology brings togethers twenty impactful Meanjin essays for the first time. An introduction by editor Esther Anatolitis offers critical context and scrutiny, illustrating how profoundly Meanjin essays have changed Australia.

Author Bio

Editor of Meanjin Esther Anatolitis is one of Australia's most influential advocates for arts and culture. With two decades in creative and media leadership, she is a highly respected champion of artists' voices. Esther comes to Meanjin with extensive literary sector experience- she is a former CEO of Express Media and publisher of Voiceworks, an Emerging Writers' Festival founder, a Small Press Network founding partner, and a former Melbourne Writers Festival programming committee member. Working across multiple languages, she has edited a diverse range of print and online publications. Esther has curated talks programs, honoured many a PEN empty chair, and mentored zine makers, independent publishers and literary festival directors. A prolific writer and commentator, Esther is one of the nation's most published arts leaders; her book Place, Practice, Politics was published in 2022, and her work is archived at estheranatolitis.net. Esther is Hon A/Prof at RMIT School of Art, a member of the National Gallery of Australia Governing Council, and a long-time reader, subscriber and contributor to Meanjin. Photo courtesy Sarah Walker Photography