Cirrus@Austlit

'Barry Hill, prize-winning author of social history and poetry, and skilled in numerous other literary traditions, has written a book about Uluru that reminds me of a Mountain Devil lizard—a bit on the prickly side, and with an amazing ability to change colour. One can be irritated by the former, bedazzled by the latter. I make this point at the outset: it is worth hurdling those aspects with which you disagree to appreciate the rest. Whereas Stanley Breeden's book is one that suggests quiet and close observation, and a gentle 'working together' with Anangu people, Hill's book often questions, asserts, confronts and challenges. Hill undoubtedly has the capacity to quietly listen and closely observe, yet he prefers a dialogue with the country, with people of the past whose records can be studied, with Anangu and other friends, and with strangers. This is not a bad thing, but it means that you, the reader, are required to engage your critical faculties, not just go along for the ride.' (Introduction)