Cirrus@Austlit

'The period 1945 to 1965 was an astonishingly creative time for Australian dance. Dancers from the 1930s Ballets Russes tours and modernists who had settled in this country were teaching, performing and developing companies. The spectacular results included long, brilliant seasons by the Borovansky Ballet and the National Theatre Ballet Company, the formation of the Victorian Ballet Guild and the eventual foundation of the Australian Ballet. Smaller classical and modern groups sprang up in every state, some going on to gain international reputations.

'Illustrated with a wealth of photographs and designs for decor and costumes, Australia Dances: Creating Australian dance 1945-1965 surveys the major companies, large and small, modern dance, the beginnings of Aboriginal theatrical dance and the various teaching codes which became established. Selected works from company repertoires are discussed, making the book a rich and valuable resource for students and scholars as well as an essential addition to every dance lover's library.' (Publication summary)

'The Angry Penguin presents a rich selection of poems written throughout Max Harris's life, from the early poems of his youth to the more contemplative poems of his later years.

'With an introduction by Alan Brissenden and a tribute by the late Alister Kershaw, The Angry Penguin is the first compilation of Max Harris's poems to be widely distributed since 1942. Providing an overview of his life's creative work, this volume demands a reassessment of Max Harris's contribution to Australian literature, firmly establishing him as an Australian lyric poet of considerable standing.

'Max Harris's influence on Australian cultural life has been profound. In 1989 he was recognised with the award of Order of Australia 'for services to literature'. Four years later, he was cited as 'the founding father of Australian modernism in the arts' when receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award of the University of Adelaide Alumni Association.' (Publication summary)