Australia 's
p. 96 · Read in the full issue
Book Week
November 10-17 was “Aus tralian Book Week” and our reviews this month certainly reflect the fact.
In the last decade, Austra lian book publishing has grown up; so have many Australian writers. In the course of a year, hundreds of books are published about Australia— some by Australian, some by overseas publishers.
Some authors—like Alan Moorhead, Jon Cleary, Patrick White and Morris West—are now internationals; others write mainly for Australian consumption, but overall the standard of writing has im proved in a fantastic manner.
One reason why more books are being written about Aus tralia or by Australians is the larger and more appreciative home market. At one time Australians who believed they were “cultured” refused to read Australian books. They have now seen the error of their ways although some still con demn Australian writers’ pre occupation with gum-trees and wide open spaces.
Be that as it may, it is in teresting to note that no less than four of the important Australian books reviewed this month are based on the Aus tralian outback.