Text: The Australian Literary Canon

Derived from the Latin word canōn, meaning measuring rod or a standard, a literary canon refers to a body of works that are considered the most important, the most worthwhile, and the most significant.

What is Australia’s literary canon? Who decides are the most worthwhile pieces of writing are? What genres can be considered for inclusion in the canon?

According to Professor Robert Dixon of Sydney University, the debate in the 1920’s focussed on whether the Australian canon should be nationally or internationally focussed. The 1970’s literary scene was defined by the impact of second wave feminism and most recently, indigenous writers like Alexis Wright have asserted their place in the collective memory.

The criterion of what is the canon is always changing.

With the publication of the Macquarie PEN Anthology of Australian Literature which has been six years in the making, on Friday’s Book Show we ask what is the Australian literary canon.

Who do you think should be in the canon? Do you care about the canon?

Image from: Mary Gilmore (1865–1962)The Mary Cookery Book: The Most Practical Australian Cook Book Ever Printed Sydney: G.E. Parker, 1920s printed book; 18.5 x 13.8cm