This sequence has so far not been published separately or in a completed version. Parts of it were published in sections headed : 'From The Little Panopticon' in volumes of selected poems by Malouf.
The title of each of the individual poems of this sequence refers to a well-known and influential work of world literature. The poems analyse these texts of 'great' literature, art and culture in what Tulip calls 'a virtuoso and encyclopedic reading of great texts [by Malouf] to release himself from them ... ending his academic career in these exercises, liberating himself from "learning" through an ultimate display of learning' (Introduction to David Malouf, ed. James Tulip, 1990, p.xv).
Author note: Panopticon: a. The name given by Bentham to a proposed form of prison of circular shape having cells built around and fully exposed towards a central 'well', whence the warder could at all times observe the prisoners. b. fig. and trans. A place where everything is visible; a show-room for novelties.