Cirrus@Austlit

'Given the events of the last six months, a blank sheet of paper, and an editorial to write, I am seized with panic. What can I possibly say in 873 words or less? Some reflections then, in no particular order. The words of the song, 'you don't know what you've got till it's gone' are not strictly appropriate. It being the Institute, hasn't, at the time of writing, gone, and we certainly know what we've got—an institution which is unique in the world. We have however, been pushed, once again, into pondering the nature of that uniqueness, and considering what the effect of certain changes would be.' (Editorial introduction)

'One of Australia's best known poets, Judith Wright, brings together for the first time a selection of twenty-one essays. Her messages about our need to preserve Aboriginal culture and care for the land run through them all.' (Source: Publishers website)