Cirrus@Austlit

'It was a hit almost before the public had read a word, remembers Brian Stonier. One evening in early 1966, Stonier, a ­founder of the new paperback imprint Sun Books, had the task of introducing ­historian Geoffrey Blainey to an audience in the library at Geelong College. He mentioned Blainey’s seven previous works and publicised his next: “We’re hoping later this year to publish a new book, which we’re thinking of calling The Tyranny of Distance.” The 60 schoolchildren burst into applause, spontaneously and portentously — the book approaches its half-century as perhaps Australian history’s biggest bestseller, having never been out of print, with about 180,000 copies sold. ...'

'Brisbane author Cory Taylor died earlier this month. Her publisher, Michael Heyward , remembers a wise and compassionate writer who knew no fear ...'

'It’s Our Country contains essays by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal specialists, academics and business and community leaders. Each sets out their view on meaningful constitutional recognition, and “their visions for reform”. The book is edited by Megan Davis, director of the University of NSW law school, and Marcia Langton, foundation chair of Australian indigenous studies at the University of Melbourne. It’s closely argued, well written and often graphic (“the airtight cage of poverty”), as befits “polities” (nations) of poetic storytellers. ...'