Cirrus@Austlit

'This is the first study of Australian literature and although it only considers writers of New South Wales it is a most important work. It looks at the writers of our early colonial period with a great degree of appreciation. Some of the names he mentions are no longer familiar but what we would still regard as important early writers are given due reverence. In particular the poets Harpur and Kendall are treated as important poets. The fact that Australian literature was recognised and appreciated at this early date makes this the first important work on the subject.' ---cover