Cirrus@Austlit

'Identity – who are you? Who or what do you identify with? What does that even mean? In a world that likes to paint us as black or white we’re often searching for an opportunity to fit in.

'This anthology features 30 of Australia’s best writers under 30 exploring the theme identity – searching for unique perspectives on what identity really means in the 21st century. Is it possible to be unique if we’re expected to categorise ourselves?

'Compiled from winners of the Ultimo Prize 2021, this collection represents Australia’s next generation of literary talent. Their work is forward-thinking and provocative, exciting and surprising.' (Publication summary)

'Best of Australian Poetry is an annual anthology collecting previously published and unpublished poems to create a poetic snapshot of the year that was. Capturing the richness and diversity of Australian poetry, across a timeframe of 1 July 2021 - 7 August 2022, the series, now in its second year, will explore how poetic responses to the contemporary moment develop with each passing year.

'The book opens with an introduction by its 2022 editors, award-winning and highly respected poets and editors, Jeanine Leanne and Judith Beveridge. Both Jeanine, a Wiradjuri poet, and Judith have extensive experience as poetry teachers, academics and poetry anthologists previously.

'The Best of Australian Poetry (BoAP) series is published by Australia's national poetry organisation, Australian Poetry, and will feature two different guest editors each year, to amplify the range of voices selected. It is funded by the Australia Council for the Arts and individual patrons.' (Publication summary)