This book explores the interaction between literary culture and the public sphere in Australia in a series of informative, witty, intelligent and thought-provoking essays. In doing so it unearths the fascinating and changing role that literature has played in Australia's sporting, political, civic and cultural life. The essays span many forms of Australian expression (fiction, memoirs, letters, public lectures, theatre, cartoons, song) so that authors expressing themselves in very different ways and in different historical periods are heard in conversation for the first time. Accomplished writers and canonical texts share the pages with political milestones, cinematic breakthroughs, turning points in popular culture, and memorable musical and sporting moments, to provide a fresh, kaleidoscopic view of literary Australia.